An international team of researchers has taken a significant step forward in neutralizing waves, opening new perspectives for protecting coastlines and creating resilient floating habitats. This advance, described in a recent study published in Physical Review Letters, is based on fundamental physical principles and offers innovative solutions to combat increasing coastal erosion due to climate change. This conceptual view shows a waveguide directing water waves toward two cavities. With a certain choice of dimensions, these cavities can generate secondary waves that completely cancel out the reflected and transmitted waves, thus proving perfect absorption.
Instead of relying on complex technologies or energy sources, these scientists developed wave absorption devices based on physical principles. Their method is based on the use of specially designed cavities that act as perfect wave absorbers.
The research director at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Agnès Maurel, explains that this new approach represents a paradigm shift. She points out that it is now crucial to calm certain coastal areas to counteract erosion, rather than trying to exploit the energy of the waves as before.
How does this technology work?
The device developed by the scientists is based on the use of two cavities placed on the shore perpendicular to the waves. These cavities are specifically designed to effectively absorb wave energy. The precise geometry of these cavities is key to their effectiveness: individually they can reduce the size of waves, but their combination manages to completely cancel out wave forces.
By perfectly fitting these cavities, scientists can store and dissipate wave energy, making the water surface remarkably calm.
Possible applications and future perspectives
This discovery opens the way to various concrete applications. Scientists are particularly considering using this wave absorption system to protect coastlines from increasing erosion caused by rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Although laboratory tests have so far focused on unidirectional waves, the research team plans to expand this work to monitor more irregular waves in real time. There are also ongoing collaborations with companies, including a start-up that wants to develop protective measures for anchored boats.
A promising future for coastal protection
This scientific advance offers innovative prospects for preserving coastlines and creating new floating structures resilient to ocean movements. The research team is also considering broader applications such as coastal defense belts, which offer a potential solution to combat erosion and protect sensitive infrastructure.