PNEUMATIC BREAKWATER (I)

This report presents the preliminary results of a study conducted by the Hydrology Committee at the Applied Mechanics Laboratory/University of Kyushu to investigate the physical mechanism of wave destruction, establish suitable design methods, and examine the possibility of practical application of a pneumatic breakwater. A brief review of the historic development of the pneumatic barrier concept includes a summary of theoretical developments and research conducted to date in this field. Basic relations for estimating the required power of a pneumatic breakwater are presented. These theoretical developments consider the wave destruction by the pneumatic breakwater to be due primarily to water flow induced by the rising air bubbles. Based on the research efforts conducted at the Applied Mechanics Laboratory, when the water flows toward the wave with a velocity larger than 1/4 that of the wave velocity, the wave may be completely destroyed. The author emphasizes the importance of research concerning an optimal design of the bubble generator, and the understanding of physical phenomena associated with the bubble jet.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Translation by K. Horikawa, of "Proceedings of First Conference on Coastal Engineering in Japan, Nov. 1954.
  • Corporate Authors:

    University of California, Berkeley

    Institute of Engineering Research
    Bekeley, CA  United States  94720
  • Authors:
    • Kurihara, M
  • Publication Date: 1958-8

Media Info

  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: 14 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00050913
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Maritime Research Center, Galveston
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Series 104, Issue 4 Tech Rpt
  • Contract Numbers: Honr-222 (46)
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 31 1974 12:00AM