Wave-structure interaction stands as one of the most demanding and multidisciplinary challenges in coastal and offshore engineering, involving the complex interplay between hydrodynamics, structural mechanics, and seabed dynamics. These processes are governed by strongly nonlinear phenomena, often influenced by breaking waves, turbulent flows, and sediment transport. In recent years, these complex phenomena have been tackled with unprecedented precision thanks to the rapid advancements of high‐fidelity numerical modelling, large‐scale laboratory facilities, and field measurement technologies.
The integration of Coastal Protection research with Renewable Energy Harvesting introduces new engineering opportunities and challenges. Multifunctional systems, such as hybrid breakwaters, oscillating water columns, overtopping devices, and other wave energy converters, are increasingly employed to both mitigate coastal hazards and generate sustainable energy. This dual-purpose approach aligns with the urgent need for climate adaptation and the global transition toward clean energy, but requires a careful balance between structural resilience, energy capture efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility.
This Research Topic welcomes contributions on experimental and numerical studies, theoretical developments, and innovative applications addressing all aspects of wave–structure interaction, with a particular emphasis on integrated coastal protection and energy harvesting systems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
· Wave–structure interaction under regular, irregular, solitary, and extreme wave conditions.
· Coastal, harbour, and offshore structures (fixed, floating, and hybrid).
· Hybrid and multifunctional systems for coastal protection and renewable energy harvesting.
· Design, optimisation, and performance assessment of wave energy converters.
· Nature‐based and eco‐engineering solutions for hazard mitigation and energy production.
· Seabed–structure interactions over fixed and mobile beds.
· Breaking and non‐breaking wave loading.
· Laboratory and field measurement techniques.
· Advanced numerical modelling (Eulerian, Lagrangian, or coupled approaches).
· Application of machine learning and artificial intelligence for prediction, control, and design optimization.
By bringing together diverse perspectives from experimentalists, numerical modellers, and field practitioners, this Research Topic aims to present the state‐of‐the‐art understanding of these processes, identify emerging trends, and outline future research directions for the development of sustainable, resilient, and energy‐productive coastal and offshore infrastructure.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
- Editorial
- FAIR² Data
- Hypothesis and Theory
- Methods
- Mini Review
- Opinion
- Original Research
- Perspective
- Review
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Keywords: Wave-Structure Interaction, Coastal Protection, Renewable Energy, Hybrid Systems, Numerical Modelling, Wave Energy Converters, Offshore Structures, Artificial Intelligence, Sediment Transport, Climate Adaptation
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
