Nonlinear free surface action with an array of vertical cylinders

Nonlinear diffraction of regular waves by an array of bottom-seated circular cylinders is investigated in frequency domain, based on a Stokes expansion approach. A complete semi-analytical solution is developed which allows an efficient evaluation of the second-order potentials in the entire fluid domain, and the wave forces on the structure. Expressions are derived for the second-order potential in the vicinity of individual cylinders. These expressions have a simple form, thus providing an effective means for investigating the wave enhancement due to nonlinear interactions with multiple cylinders. Based on the present method, the wave run-up and free-surface elevations around an array of two, three and four cylinders are investigated numerically.