Introduction

A method for solving wave scattering problems in which the solution can be solve in various regions using separation of variables. The solution in these regions are then matched at various boundaries. The simplest problem is in Wavemaker Theory, but the separation of variables is also described in Dispersion Relation for a Free Surface

The method is described in Linton and McIver 2001. All that is required is that the domain consists of water of constant depth and that there are suitable conditions that we can separate variables. For each problem considered, the simplest case is the semi-infinite domain on one side and open water on the other, and it is this problem that we focus on in particular. The problem can then be extended to a finite domain, using Symmetry in Two Dimension and the problem can also be extended to circular regions in three-dimensions.

The method is also called the mode matching method.

Problems for which we have solution

There is no end to the problem which an be solved by this method, and we try to present here the solutions for some of the typical problems. As stated previously, we begin with the semi-infinite problem with open water on the left and waves incident from the left and extend this problem to the finite depth problem by Symmetry in Two Dimension and to the circular problem.

Dock

The semi-infinite problem is shown on the right.

Wave scattering by a semi-infinite dock

We have the following solutions for this case.

1. Eigenfunction Matching for a Semi-Infinite Dock
2. Eigenfunction Matching for a Circular Dock