Theory for Absorption of Wave Power by a System of Interacting Bodies

Abstract

Wave power absorption by a system of interacting bodies is analyzed within linear theory. A general expression for the wave power absorbed by the system, in terms of far-field velocity potentials, is derived. The optimum power absorption by a system of identical bodies from a plane incident wave is obtained. The theory is applied to various configurations of bodies oscillating in one or two modes. It is shown that the interaction between properly spaced bodies may raise the absorbed power per body by a substantial factor. It is also demonstrated that a single row of oscillating bodies may absorb 50 percent of the incident power if the bodies are operated in one mode and 100 percent if operated in two modes.