A Rankine source method solution of a finite depth, wave–body interaction problem

A Rankine source method is developed adopting continuous free surface and seabed source panel distributions to solve numerically wave–body interaction problems involving various seabed conditions. The free surface and seabed surface profiles are represented by continuous panels rather than a discretization by isolated points. These panels are positioned exactly on the fluid boundary surfaces and the proposed method does not require a desingularization technique. For a two-dimensional forced oscillatory body problem, the influences of a flat, concave or convex/hump shaped seabed at different water depths are investigated. Both heave and sway motions are examined and the accuracy and efficiency of the numerical solutions are validated by comparison with published numerical predictions and, where possible, experimental data. Through these simulated findings, the influences of uneven seabeds on the hydrodynamic characteristics associated with wave–body interaction problems are discussed.