  An experimental validation of theoretical models of transmission of regular
water waves by large arrays of floating disks is presented. The experiments are
conducted in a wave basin. The models are based on combined potential-flow and
thin-plate theories, and the assumption of linear motions. A low-concentration
array, in which disks are separated by approximately a disk diameter in
equilibrium, and a high-concentration array, in which adjacent disks are almost
touching in equilibrium, are used for the experiments. The proportion of
incident wave energy transmitted by the disks is presented as a function of
wave period, and for different wave amplitudes. Results indicate that the
models predict wave energy transmission accurately for small-amplitude waves
and low-concentration arrays. Discrepancies for large-amplitude waves and
high-concentration arrays are attributed to wave overwash of the disks and
collisions between disks. Validation of model predictions of rigid-body motions
of a solitary disk are also presented.
