Diffraction of solitary waves

Diffraction of solitary waves by a semi-infinite thin barrier is studied both theoretically and experimentally. A theoretical solution is developed based on the linear shallow water wave theory. The linear wave theory compares reasonably well with the experimental data in the vicinity of the barrier. Nonlinear and dispersive effects are not important in the region examined. The formation of a vortex behind the tip of the barrier is observed and is an important factor in estimating the wave amplitudes in the shadow zone.