Theoretical Modeling Toolbox for Diffraction Problems of Common Shaped Bodies

The present study aims to develop an open-source Python-based toolbox for the theoretical modeling of diffraction problems in commonly shaped bodies. The project has dual objectives: 1) to offer a quick and efficient means for design exploration during the initial project phase and 2) to serve as a tool for code comparison and benchmarking for numerical models. While numerical solvers are commonly employed due to the complexity of obtaining exact solutions, our prior work on OSWEC modeling has demonstrated the advantages of an analytical approach, characterized by a simple setup and significantly quick computational time (typically less than a second for a hundred cases). This analytical approach is well-suited for early stages of project development, encompassing design space exploration and device geometry optimization. The current phase of the toolbox includes diffraction solutions for three fundamental cylindrical bodies: bottom-seated surface-piercing cylinder, truncated cylinder, and bottom-seated surface-piercing elliptical cylinder. The outputs encompass domain velocity potentials, excitation forces, and moments, all validated using Capytaine (a Boundary Element Method modeling program). The project is ongoing and is planned for expansion to provide solutions for other shapes. Additionally, an extension of the program to include radiation problems is also scheduled.