CFD Modeling of a Solitary Wave Overtopping Breakwater of Varying Submergence

Abstract

In this paper, interaction of a nonlinear solitary wave with a submerged breakwater as well as a breakwater with zero freeboard are modeled using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). Simulation results of water particle velocities as well as water surface elevations at the vicinity of breakwater are validated by comparison to experimental data. In order to find out the best turbulence modeling appropriate for wave-breakwater interaction problem, simulations are conducted using standard K-Epsilon, SST-K-Omega, and inviscid models available within the CFD software. In cases involving wave breaking, simulations are also repeated using second order SST-K-Omega model. The overall pattern of the wave interaction with breakwater is adequately reproduced by the CFD software. The processes of wave reflection, wave breaking, and vortical motion at the vicinity of breakwater are correctly captured. The good results achieved are promising regarding the use of CFD for design of breakwaters and other marine structures subject to waves.

Waves and wrecks: A computational fluid dynamic study in an underwater archaeological site

“…Flow turbulence is represented by a two-equation SST K-Omega model (Menter, 1994). This model combines the use of a k-epsilon turbulence model in the free flow regions and a k-omega turbulence model inside the boundary layer, avoiding the problem of the high sensitivity to the inlet boundary condition of the komega model (Bozorgnia et al, 2014). IHFoam was used to implement the boundary conditions for wave generation and absorption, reducing the problem of reflexion in the boundaries without an extension of the domain (Higuera et al, 2013).…”