Three-dimensional interaction of waves and porous coastal structures

• Published in: Coastal engineering (Amsterdam) Vol. 64; pp. 26 - 46
• Main Authors: Lara, Javier L., del Jesus, Manuel, Losada, Inigo J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-06-2012
• Subjects: Multiphase flow solver; Porous media flow; Three-dimensional numerical solver; VOF method; Wave-structure interaction; Three-dimensional numerical solver; Wave-structure interaction; Multiphase flow solver; Porous media flow; VOF method
• ISSN: 0378-3839; 1872-7379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coastaleng.2012.01.009

This paper presents the validation results for the IH-3VOF model presented in Part I (del Jesus et al., 2011) of this paper. Initially the validation procedure is focused on wave-breaking conditions. A dam-break interacting with a prism is considered as a simplified approach to the study and analysis of wave-breaking conditions. Two different turbulence models are used in order to investigate flow separation prediction and its influence on the net forces exerted on the prism. Single and two-phase flow simulations are carried out to investigate the importance of trapped air within the fluid in the development of the forces acting on the prism. In addition, both a porous and a solid prism are considered for the study. Surface gravity waves interacting with a vertical structure in a narrow flume are presented next. Comparisons between experimentally and numerically obtained free surface elevation, pressure distribution and velocity around the structure are carried out. The hydrodynamics around the structure are studied in detail and compared with the numerical model predictions. Finally, the interaction of regular and solitary waves with a vertical breakwater in a wave basin is studied. The comparison between the laboratory tests and the numerical simulations are carried out for free surface elevation and pressure distribution over the structure under solitary and regular waves. The different results show a good performance of the IH-3VOF model, reproducing the most important processes that appear in the interaction of surface gravity waves with porous structures; therefore validating the new equations and the numerical implementation of the model.
► New volume-averaged Navier–Stokes model for wave-structure interaction. ► New specific wave-structure interaction experiments measuring pressure and velocity. ► Validation and calibration focused on coastal engineering applications. ► Complete set of experimental measurements available for benchmarking. ► Accurate predictions under different wave conditions for different structures.