EM 1110-2-1100 (Part II)
30 Apr 02
Table II-7-2
Harbor Oscillation Characteristics
Description
Alternatives
Basin boundaries
Closed
Open
External forcing
Free
Forced
Dimensionality
2-dimensional
3-dimensional
Basin planform
Simple
Complex
(4) Characteristics are defined as follows:
(a) Closed basin - basin is completely enclosed.
(b) Open basin - basin is semi-enclosed, but open to a larger water body along at least part of one side.
(c) Free oscillations - oscillations that occur without external forcing (although some external forcing
was applied earlier to initiate the oscillations).
(d) Forced oscillations - oscillations in response to external forcing.
(e) 2-dimensional - oscillations are independent of one horizontal dimension.
(f) 3-dimensional - oscillations vary in both horizontal dimensions.
(g) Simple - basin planform is a simple geometrical shape, such as a square, rectangle, or circle.
(h) Complex - basin planform is an irregular shape.
(5) A harbor basin generally has several modes of oscillation with corresponding natural resonant
frequencies (or periods) and harmonics. Figure II-7-26 illustrates the fundamental, second, and third
harmonic modes of oscillation in idealized, perfectly reflecting, closed and open two-dimensional basins.
(6) Following this introduction, the process of resonance is discussed in terms of a more intuitive, but
analogous, mechanical system. Closed basins are covered next, mainly in terms of free oscillations and
simple shapes. Although they are not closed basins, harbors or parts of harbors can behave much like closed
basins under some conditions. The presentation is also applicable to enclosed water bodies such as lakes and
reservoirs.
(7) The last parts of the section are devoted to open basins. Open basins are susceptible to oscillations
forced across the open boundary. Because of the limited size of harbors, other types of forcing, such as
meteorological forcing in the harbor, are generally not considered. Both simple and complex shapes are
presented. The final part describes Helmholtz resonance, a very long-period, non-standing wave phenomenon
that causes water levels over the entire harbor to oscillate up and down in unison. Practical consequences of
harbor oscillation, such as vessel motions, mooring line forces, and fender forces, are not presented in this
section. Motions of small boats moored in resonant conditions and possible mitigation measures have been
investigated by Raichlen (1968). Comprehensive reviews of harbor oscillations are given by Raichlen and
Lee (1992) and Wilson (1972).
II-7-32
Harbor Hydrodynamics
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