Numerical Investigation of Wave Generation Characteristics of Bottom-Tilting Flume Wavemaker

Abstract

Motivated by the recently developed bottom-tilting wavemaker specially designed for tsunami research, we propose to investigate numerically the wave generation mechanism of this new wave generator. A series of numerical experiments is carried out using a RANS-based computer model to evaluate the effects of wavemaker length, bottom displacement, motion duration, and water depth on the wavelength, wave amplitude, phase speed, and waveform of the leading waves produced by the bottom-motion wave generator. Numerical results fit well with the existing laboratory data. Explicit equations for the wavelength and wave amplitude are developed and can serve as the guideline for wave generation. Encouraging results suggest that bottom-tilting wavemaker is a good alternative to the traditional piston-type wavemaker for tsunami research.