Free surface numerical modelling of wave interaction with coastal structures

Abstract

The main objective of Workpackage 5 is to use numerical simulation of wave overtopping in order to solve the problem of suspected scale effects. A second, related, objective is to improve existing codes in such a way as they are able to simulate wave overtopping in a reliable way. The final, single, objective is to numerically model long waves on the shallow foreshore at Petten in order to understand the phenomenon of long waves and their effect on overtopping. This report deals with the work undertaken towards the first two objectives, the simulations undertaken for objective 3 are the subject of a separate report entitled “Influence of low-frequency waves on wave overtopping” by M.R.A. van Gent and C.C. Giarrusso and published by WL | Delft hydraulics in November 2003. Realistic simulations of wave overtopping require numerical methods which are able accurately to simulate the shoaling, breaking and possible overturning of waves prior to their impact on the seawall. It is a further requirement that the simulation continues after impact, modelling the formation of the overtopping jet and the reflection of the wave. The research groups at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and the University of Gent (UGent) have been working in parallel on the development of such numerical codes. The MMU code, AMAZON-SC, is a numerical wave flume based on the free surface capturing approach. While the UGent code, LVOF, is a numerical wave basin based on the volume of fluid approach. This report describes the progress of these numerical methods, in order to address the first two objectives of Workpackage 5. Their application to various cases, is also discussed, including: a test problem involving wave overtopping of a smooth sea-dike, wave overtopping at Samphire Hoe and an investigation of scale effects on rough impermeable structures. The Report begins with a general introduction, followed by a section describing AMAZONSC (the MMU code), a section describing LVOF (the UGent code) and then some general conclusions.