Simulation of the interception of plastic fluxes in rivers

One of the preferred features of plastic is its high durability. This merit is its main disadvantage in the natural environment. When poorly disposed of, plastic waste can enter rivers from surface waters and subsequently end up in the ocean. Here, plastic spreads out over the entire ocean and ultimately ends in ocean gyres....

Numerical investigation of nearshore wave transformation and surf zone hydrodynamics

Rapid climate change and the corresponding estimated sea level rise can affect the performance of the coastal defense structures such as breakwaters, seawalls, and dikes. In order to improve these coastal defenses, a detailed understanding of the processes which contribute to wave run-up and overtopping over the coastal defenses needs to be...

Numerical estimation of wave loads on crest walls on top of rubble mound breakwaters using OpenFOAM

The design of hydraulic structures like breakwaters and crest walls is often based on empirical formulations, physical models test, numerical models and a fair amount of expert judgement. Each technique has its own pros and cons. The main limitation of the empirical formulas is that often they have to be applied outside their range of validity....

Homogeneous detached composite breakwater: CFD study of the design sensitivities in the 2D geometrical layout using a detached homogeneous low-crested structure to reduce sea wall overtopping

In this research OpenFOAM is used to model and determine the complex hydrodynamic behaviour of a Homogeneous low-crested structure (HLCS) consisting of cubipod artificial concrete elements. The validated model is used to gain insight in the design sensitivities of a two dimensional cross sectional layout to reduce sea wall overtopping. HLCS and...

Using CFD to design riprap bed protections downstream of underflow weirs: Weir design of the future

Weirs are constructed inside rivers to manage the water level. On the one hand they need to be designed sufficiently strong to prevent failure or destruction, while on the other hand they need to be economically feasible. If a structure is designed too strong, unnecessary costs are made and the structure becomes too expensive.<br/><br/>One of...

Improving culvert performance: Reducing energy losses by streamlining the entrance and exit of culverts.

In Dutch polders, numerous structures like bridges, weirs, culverts, and pumping stations have<br/>been constructed over centuries to manage water levels. These structures play a crucial role in<br/>maintaining water levels within predefined targets. The flat topography of the Dutch landscape<br/>combined with the collective impact of head...

CFD modelling: The interaction between extreme waves and a lighthouse upon a shoal

Lighthouses are structures subjected to extreme weather conditions which have to resist strong surge. Therefore to ensure their survival over time, it is necessary to determine the loads that these structures will face during its lifetime. However, load prediction on lighthouses is troublesome due to the multiple factors that affect the loading....

Numerical investigation of the effect of nappe non-aeration on caisson sliding force during Tsunami breakwater over-topping using OpenFOAM

During the 2011 Great East Japan Tsunami, the world’s deepest breakwaters in Kamaishi and Ofunato, which had been designed to reduce tsunami damage, partially failed after over-topping. The failure was due to a combination of sliding, over-topping induced foundation scour and foundation bearing capacity failure. Hindcasting this failure required...