Comparison of Hydrodynamic Performances Between Single Pontoon and Double Pontoon Floating Breakwaters Through the SPH Method

A numerical study adopting the 2D δ-SPH model is performed to compare the hydrodynamic characteristics of a single pontoon floating breakwater and a double pontoon floating breakwater. Numerical simulations are performed using the δ-SPH model and experimental tests are conducted to validate the numerical model. The numerical results of both the free surface elevations and motions of the floating breakwater are in good agreement with the experimental results. Numerical results show that when the pontoon drafts are larger, the double pontoon floating breakwater performs better in wave attenuations compared with the single pontoon floating breakwater, and for all the drafts, the amplitudes of motions including sway, heave and roll of the double pontoon floating breakwater is always smaller. In addition, increasing the spacing between the two pontoons can further reduce the amplitudes of pontoon motions and improve the wave attenuation ability of the double pontoon floating breakwater.