Scattering of waves by articulated floating elastic plates in water of infinite depth

The wave scattering by an articulated floating elastic plate in water of infinite depth is analyzed in the linearized theory of water waves. Using the geometrical symmetry of the articulated plate, the associated boundary value problem in the half-plane is reduced to two boundary value problems in the quarter plane, whose solutions are derived by the direct application of a mixed-type Fourier transform and the corresponding mode-coupling relation. The articulated plate is modeled as the assembling of two semi-infinite thin elastic plates which are attached by connectors. The hydroelastic behavior of the floating elastic plate is investigated by analyzing the stiffness of the connectors on the reflection and transmission characteristics of the flexural gravity waves. The phase and group velocity, reflection and transmission coefficient and the vertical displacement response of the elastic plate are computed and analyzed to understand the effect of articulation on the wave motion below the plate.