Abstract

This talk is intended to highlight the different effects that plate arrays (closely-spaced periodic arrays of thin vertical plates) have on the propagation of surface water waves. It will focus on examples of plate arrays in a number of settings some of which will have analogues in two-dimensional acoustics or electromagnetics. We will start by showing how plate arrays extending through the fluid depth can be used as an all-frequency perfectly-transmitting negative refraction medium. When dissipation is added to the fluid motion in the gaps between the plates the arrays can act as wave absorbers. We shall show examples of the broadbanded absorption when plate arrays are used in cavities in plane walls and in waveguides. We shall also demonstrate the remarkable potential for ocean wave energy absorption by cylindrical plate array structures. Finally we describe how fully submerged bathymetric plate arrays can be used a devices for creating anisotropic depth effects which can be applied for the bespoke steering of water waves.