THE PROPAGATION OF WATER WAVES OVER SEDIMENT POCKETS

Wave diffraction due to a rectangular domain of finite depth and width containing two fluids of constant but different densities connected to two channels of constant but different depths is considered. The implied scattering problem is modeled subject to the usual assumptions of linearized waterwave theory. The analysis is restricted to monochromatic plane progressive surface waves normally incident on the inhomogeneous domain. This results in a linear two-dimensional boundary-value problem for the velocity-potential. The scattering problem is formulated in terms of complementary variational integrals of Schwinger's type; symmetry relations between the complex amplitudes of the scattered potential are developed; and numerical calculations for the complex reflection and transmission coefficients are presented for a range of the physical variables. The analysis shows that sediment pockets can exhibit resonant behavior due to the combined effects of density stratification and pocket geometry. This offers a plausible explanation for offshore pipeline migration during storms.

• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Department of Ocean Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Lassiter III, J B
• Publication Date: 1972-7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anchoring; Pipelines; Structural design; Underwater pipelines; Wave motion; Waves
• Old TRIS Terms: Pipeline anchoring; Pipeline design; Wave effects
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Pipelines; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00048358
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Report/Paper Numbers: PhD Thesis
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 14 1974 12:00AM