Topographical effects on wave scattering by an elastic plate floating on two-layer fluid (Q6559040)

The manuscript titled addresses a complex problem in fluid dynamics and hydroelasticity, namely the interactions between surface gravity waves and an elastic plate floating on a two-layer liquid with variable bottom topography. The authors employ the potential flow theory and assume small amplitude waves to model these interactions, considering both semi-infinite and finite-length plates.\N\NThe primary scientific problem addressed in this paper is the wave scattering effects on an elastic plate floating on a stratified fluid with varying bottom topography. The focus is on understanding how different physical parameters, such as density ratio, depth ratio, and bottom topography, influence the bending moments, shear forces, and deflections experienced by the elastic plate. The study extends previous research by incorporating the effects of bottom refraction and wave-wave interactions, which were not considered in earlier models.\N\NTo tackle this problem, the authors utilise the eigenfunction expansion method in regions with uniform bottom topography and solve a system of differential equations, specifically mild-slope equations, in regions with variable bottom topography. These equations, derived from the variational principle and single mode approximation method developed by \textit{P. G. Chamberlain} and \textit{D. Porter} [J. Fluid Mech. 524, 207--228 (2005; Zbl 1065.76025)], are solved numerically to account for local variations in wavenumber due to bottom topography. The boundary value problem is posed and solved, providing an explicit solution that matches and jump conditions at the interface regions.\N\NThe main findings of the study reveal significant insights into the hydroelastic interactions under different conditions. The results show that as the density ratio approaches unity, the bending moments and shear forces on the elastic plate decrease. Furthermore, the bending moments and shear forces are higher at smaller depth ratios for incident surface waves, but this trend reverses for interfacial waves. The study also identifies opposite trends in the variations of bending moments, shear forces, and plate deflections caused by surface and interfacial waves. The effects of bottom topography on semi-infinite and finite-length plates are similar under free-edge conditions, but the impact is substantial when the plate is simply supported at the edges. Plates with free edges experience lower deflection for concave-up and plane-sloping bottoms for incident surface and interfacial waves, respectively.\N\NThis research is significant as it enhances the understanding of wave-structure interactions in marine environments, particularly for applications involving very large floating structures (VLFS) and ice-sheet dynamics in polar regions. By incorporating the effects of variable bottom topography and density stratification, the study provides a more comprehensive model that can be used to predict the behaviour of floating elastic plates under different wave and bottom conditions. The paper's rigorous mathematical formulation and thorough numerical analysis underscore its contribution to advancing knowledge in the field of hydroelasticity and fluid dynamics.