Current Wave Absorber Studies

A study of the Pentwater Harbor was undertaken by the Detroit District and the US Army Engineering Research Development Center (ERDC) in 2002 to study the effectiveness of the wave absorbers at the subject harbor. The Pentwater Harbor contains two 200-foot wave absorber cells with one on the north jetty and one of the south jetty. Computer modeling was started in 2003 with various wave absorber placement and sizing. A draft report of the results has been completed. Five wave gages were deployed for 2-3 months: one upstream and downstream of each absorber and a directional wave gage out in the lake in approximately 30 feet of water. While the wave gages were collecting data, a physical model was being built at ERDC. It was completed in September 2004 and various scenarios will be run in the following months. The wave gage data will be used to calibrate both the computer and physical models.

Computer Modeling - The Pentwater computer model was built using a state-of-the-art, finite element, wave prediction model. It uses the Mild Slope Equation to predict wave height, refraction and defraction within a coastal environment. It also takes into effect harbor entrance losses, nonlinear amplitude dispersion, friction and breaking.
Physical Modeling - The Pentwater physical model is a scale model of the actual harbor. Scaled down design waves will be generated using a wave maker and run toward the harbor from various directions. These results will be analyzed and used to help create design guidance for future wave absorbers.
Study Results (Not available at this time)