Modelling the changes in waveform in combined wave-current flow

Master thesis (2019)

Authors

T. Cömert Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Contributors

M.F.S. Tissier Environmental Fluid Mechanics - CEG (mentor)
F.P. de Wit Environmental Fluid Mechanics - CEG (graduation committee member)
J. Bosboom Coastal Engineering - CEG (coach)
Marcel Zijlema Environmental Fluid Mechanics - CEG (coach)
A.J.H.M. Reniers Environmental Fluid Mechanics - CEG (coach)
Faculty
Civil Engineering & Geosciences, Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Copyright: © 2019 Tolga Cömert
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Published Date

14-05-2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Abstract

Combined wave-current flow is defined as flow in which waves and currents are present together. One of its occurrences in nature is at a tidal inlet system, where incoming waves meet either a current in the same (following) or opposite (opposing) direction. This type of flow is different when compared to wave- or current-only flows. As a result, different effects are expected on, amongst others, the (suspended) sediment transport. In this study, we are modelling combined wave-current flow with the non-hydrostatic wave-flow model SWASH. The goal was to extend the present SWASH model to facilitate the modelling of combined wave-current flow, validate model results with experimental data and use the new model to analyse waveforms in combined wave-current flow. Model results for spatially uniform and non-uniform currents showed that the evolution of the wave height over the domain was approximately constant. Validation results of the vertical structure of the flow were in general poor except at the boundary. However, the model is capable of producing qualitatively the same trends as observed in measurements of the horizontal structure of the flow. In particular, the spatial evolution of the skewness and asymmetry was captured fairly accurate by the model. It is recommended to expand the newly developed methods to 3D domains for further validation and analysis.