Diffraction of water waves by breakwaters

Application is made of a solution of the water-wave diffraction problem of Penny and Price to diffraction by a semi-infinite impermeable breakwater. Approximations are introduced to simplify application of the theory. Comparison of complete and simplified solutions is made with results obtained from a laboratory investigation. Best agreement between theory and experiment occurred in the lee of the breakwater. The simplified solution is shown to be adequate for most practical applications.