A theoretical and experimental study of slender oscillating water columns

The work described in this thesis is concerned with a theoretical and experimental study of nearshore oscillating water column (OWC) wave power converters. The research examines the behaviour of the OWC's in shallow water. New theoretical models of a Single OWC and of Two Interacting OWC's are developed. An experimental programme to examine the effect of varying the front wall depth of a Single OWC is carried out. The effect of varying the spacing between Two Interacting OWC's is also studied experimentally. The results of these experimental programmes are examined using existing theoretical models and the new models developed in the course of this work.