Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 April 2006
A uniformly valid theory (for all wavelengths and angle of incidence) is derived, correct to second order in the slenderness parameter. The leading-order contribution is the unified theory, derived by Newman (1978) and Sclavounous (1982), and it is shown here that for an important class of bodies - those with an ‘almost uniform’ cross-section - the leading-order correction is of higher order than second, and can be disregarded.
In part 1 of this work the shallow-water limit is considered, and some numerical experiments show good agreement between the observed error and the predicted one. In part 2 (to follow) the theory is extended to the arbitrary-water-depth case, with similar results and accuracy. In both cases it is assumed that the mean forward velocity is zero.