Exploring simplified models for wave interaction with a shallowly submerged structure with application to ocean wave energy

This thesis explores the problem of wave interaction with shallowly submerged structures using a hybrid modelling approach, complemented by linear potential flow theory, experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling techniques. Predicting the forces on such structures is critical for design purposes, but complicated due to non-linear phenomena which can occur in the shallow water, including wave breaking and bore formation. The results for these simplified problems indicate that a hybrid modelling approach can predict the forces on a shallowly submerged structure with reasonable accuracy and greatly reduced computational time compared to state-of-the-art techniques.