Experimental observation of negative effective gravity in water waves

Superscattering of water waves

Inspired by the concept of superscattering in optics, we for the first time theoretically predict and experimentally demonstrate the superscattering phenomenon in water waves. The subwavelength superscatterer is constructed by multi-layered concentric cylinders with an inhomogeneous depth profile. The superscatterer breaks the long-held single-channel scattering limit by several times and thus significantly enhances the total scattering strength. The underlying mechanism originates from the near degeneracy of the resonances of multiple channels. We fabricate the superscatterer prototype and experimentally measure the near-field patterns, which are consistent with theoretical prediction and numerical simulation. Our study opens a new avenue to strengthen water-wave scattering and deepen the understanding in water waves, which can be useful for ocean energy harvesting and harbor protection.

Fast Water Waves in Stationary Surface Disk Arrays

Traditionally, the phase and group velocities of water waves can be increased by increasing water depth but possess upper bounds, which are related to the gravitational acceleration and difficult to exceed. Here, we theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate that when water is covered with a periodic array of stationary rigid disks, both the gravitational acceleration and reduced water depth can be effectively increased in the lowest frequency band. As a result, fast water waves can occur in the system, with both the phase and group velocities exceeding those in water without disks. Unusual effects, such as total reflection at oblique incidence and unidirectional transmission of water waves, are further realized.

Carpet cloak for water waves

Cloaking is a challenging topic in the field of wave motion, and is of significant theoretical value. In this article, a type of carpet cloak has been theoretically designed for water waves by using the effective medium and transformation theory. This carpet cloak device, created by a three-dimensional printer, is composed of a periodic structure which realizes the equivalent anisotropic water depth. We demonstrate its excellent cloaking performance numerically and experimentally in a wide range of frequencies and angles of incidence, with low wave attenuation characteristics and simple device realization of this carpet cloak illustrating that water wave transformation is a powerful method with which to manipulate water waves.

Manipulating Water Wave Propagation via Gradient Index Media

It is challenging to realise the perfect manipulation of water waves within a broad range of frequencies. By extending conformal transformation principles to water waves, their propagation can be controlled via gradually varying water depths, permitting the realisation of a desired refractive index profile for linear water surface waves. Wave bending, directional wave emission and wave focusing are analysed experimentally with accompanying simulations. The results demonstrate desired wave manipulations within a broad range of frequencies, confirming the accuracy and effectiveness of conformal transformation for water waves.

Broadband focusing and collimation of water waves by zero refractive index

It is always a challenge to realize extreme and unusual values of refractive index for a broad range of frequencies. We show that when water is covered by a thick, rigid and unmovable plate, it behaves like a medium with zero refractive index for water waves at any frequency. Hence, by covering water with a plate of a concave or rectangular shape, water waves can be focused or collimated in a broad range of frequencies. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate these effects and results are in excellent agreement with numerical simulations.

Experimental realization of a water-wave metamaterial shifter

We demonstrate by quantitative experimental measurements that metamaterials with anisotropic properties can be used in the context of water waves to produce a reflectionless bent waveguide. The anisotropic medium consists in a bathymetry with subwavelength layered structure that shifts the wave in the direction of the waveguide bending (10°, 20°, and 30°). The waveguide filled with such metamaterial is tested experimentally and compared to a reference empty bent waveguide. The experimental method used to characterize the wave field allows for space-time resolved measurements of water elevation. Results show the efficiency of the shifter. Modal treatment of the experimental data confirms that the metamaterial prevents higher modes from being excited in the waveguide.