Attenuating surface gravity waves with an array of submerged resonators: an experimental study

We report on an experimental study of a device comprising an array of submerged, inverted and periodic cylindrical pendula (resonators), whose objective is the attenuation of surface gravity waves. The idea is inspired by the concept of metamaterials, i.e. engineered structures designed to interact with waves and manipulate their propagation properties. The study is performed in a wave flume where waves are excited in a wide range of frequencies. We explore various configurations of the device, calculating the transmitted, reflected and dissipated energy of the waves. If the incoming wave frequencies are sufficiently close to the natural frequency of the pendula, we find a considerable wave attenuation effect. This behaviour is enhanced by the number of resonators in the array. Moreover, the device is also capable of reflecting the energy of selected frequencies of the incoming waves. These frequencies, predicted by a generalized Bragg scattering mechanism, depend on the spacing between the resonators. The presented results show promise for the development of an environmentally sustainable device for mitigating waves in coastal zones.