Hydrodynamic Loads during Water Entry of a Flat Plate

The water entry flow generated by the impact of a flat disc is investigated with attention focused on the prediction of the resulting hydrodynamic loads. In ocean engineering this problem is of interest in the water impact of bodies with flat bottom. However, the results of the analysis are also useful for the prediction of the loads induced by the impact of surging water waves onto fixed plates, when the wave profile is smooth enough.