PRIN CALL PROGRAM - D.D. 104 OF 2 FEBRUARY 2022 (PRIN 2022)
PROJECT TITLE: A metamaterial-based device for attenuating surface gravity waves (META)
PE3_14 sector - code 2022WKRYNL_002 - Measure M4C2 – Investment 1.1 “Projects of National Interest Research (PRIN)”
CUP CODE: D53D23002420006
Budget: € 84.894
P.I. or U.R. Coordinator
Other Research Units or any Sub-Units
Prof. Miguel ONORATO, University of Turin (P.I.)
Prof. Michele MOSSA, Polytechnic University of Bari, Vice PI and head of the Poliba UO
Dr. Paolo PEZZUTTO, National Research Council, head of the CNR UO
Brief project description
The PRIN 2022 project “A metamaterial-based device for attenuating surface gravity waves” aims to develop innovative devices for wave motion control and attenuation based on metamaterial concepts applied to hydrodynamics. The idea consists in the use of arrays of submerged floating elements, made up of hollow spheres tethered to the seabed by cables, which behave as oscillating systems. By interacting with incident waves, these elements modify propagation through reflection, transmission, and energy dissipation, with mechanisms analogous to metamaterials based on local resonance. The project was developed using an integrated experimental–numerical approach. Tests were carried out in a 45.20 m wave flume with spheres of 7.2 cm diameter, testing different density configurations. In parallel, a three-dimensional SPH numerical model (DualSPHysics) was implemented, capable of simulating free surfaces and fluid–structure interactions, including turbulence (SPS) and wave generation/absorption systems (AWAS).
Purpose
The main objective is to demonstrate the possibility of controlling wave propagation through metamaterial-inspired devices, achieving efficient attenuation of wave energy for coastal protection applications. A central aspect is the understanding of the physical mechanisms governing wave–oscillating system interaction, in particular resonance and dynamic coupling, which are essential to enhance reflection and dissipation. The project also aims to identify optimal configurations (geometry, density, wave conditions) and to develop reliable numerical models, supported by high-resolution experimental datasets.
Expected results
Among the expected results was the demonstration of the effectiveness of metamaterial configurations in modifying wave propagation and attenuating its energy. The identification of optimal operating conditions and the highlighting of resonance phenomena, with a consequent increase in reflection, were also anticipated. In addition, the project aimed to quantify reflection and transmission coefficients and to collect detailed experimental datasets. From a numerical standpoint, the objective was to validate a three-dimensional SPH model capable of reproducing waves and fluid–structure interactions, providing useful tools for design.
Achieved results
An extensive experimental campaign was carried out with different array configurations and regular waves (heights 2–4 cm, frequencies 0.6–2.0 Hz). The results showed a strong dependence of attenuation on frequency and configuration, with reflection peaks around 1.1 Hz and 1.6 Hz, associated with resonance phenomena. The measurements (resistive probes and ADV) provided high-resolution datasets, including vertical velocity profiles, useful for detailed analysis of the flow fields. The SPH model (up to ~22 million particles) reproduced the free surface and velocities with good agreement, confirming its ability to simulate the observed phenomena. Overall, it was demonstrated that the sphere arrays behave as effective hydrodynamic metamaterials, capable of significantly reducing wave energy, with resonance as the key mechanism. The integrated experimental–numerical approach proved robust and promising for future coastal protection applications.
Some papers already published (others are in the process of being published)
De Padova, Diana, Barbato, Giuliana, Lapietra, Isabella, Lisco, Stefania Nunzia, Mastronuzzi, Giuseppe, Mercogliano, Paola, Mossa, Michele, Rizzo, Angela (in press). Beneath the Surface: How Climate Change Intensifies Erosion and Suspended Sediment Loads. EARTH SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT, ISSN: 2509-9426, doi: 10.1007/s41748-025-00871-0
Calvo, L., De Padova, D., Onorato, M. et al. SPH modelling of wave attenuation by an array of submerged resonators and vorticity generation mechanism. Environmental Fluid Mechanics 25, 21 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10652-025-10034-4
De Serio, Francesca, De Padova, Diana, Ben Meftah, Mouldi, Mossa, Michele (2025). A framework for data analysis from long-term monitoring in anthropized coastal areas. JOURNAL OF ECOHYDRAULICS, vol. 10, pp. 366-388, ISSN: 2470-5357, doi: 10.1080/24705357.2024.2428959
Mossa, Michele, De Padova, Diana, Onorato, Miguel (2025). Damping of solitons by coastal vegetation.. JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS, vol. 1002, A45, ISSN: 0022-1120, doi: 10.1017/jfm.2024.1185
Mossa, Michele, De Padova, Diana (2025). Interaction between waves and vegetation. SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, vol. 15, 6157, ISSN: 2045-2322, doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-89627-4
De Padova, Diana, Ben Meftah, Mouldi, Mossa, Michele (2025). Theoretical and numerical investigation of wave attenuation on vegetated seabeds. EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, vol. 50, e70054, ISSN: 0197-9337, doi: 10.1002/esp.70054
Mossa, Michele; Pezzutto, Paolo; Onorato, Miguel. TESTING THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL RESPONSE OF A METAMATERIAL-BASED DEVICE FOR ATTENUATING SURFACE GRAVITY WAVES - (2024). 38th International Conference on Coastal Engineering Rome September 8-14, 2024).
by serio, mossa, de padova, ben meftah (2024). PLUNGING WAVES IN THE INNER SURF ZONE AND BURGERS-LIKE TURBULENCE. In: Proceedings of 38th International Conference on Coastal Engineering. Rome, Italy, September 8–14 2024
De Padova, Diana, Mossa, Michele (2020). Hydrodynamics of Regular Breaking Waves. In: Geophysics and Ocean Waves Studies. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.94449
