Waves breaking on structures
This research was undertaken by Dr. Julian Mindel during his PhD studies at Imperial College under the supervision of Dr. J-P Latham and Prof. Chris Pain, with assistance from AMCG’s Dr. Gareth Collins, Dr. Gerard Gorman, Dr. Matt Piggott and Dr.Jiansheng Xiang.
Wave breaking is shown here in a 3D model. Below we apply the model so the wave interacts with a structure.
Waves breaking on coastal structures were first modelled by Julian Mindel using ‘Fluidity’ superimposed on solids. The resolution given by mesh refinement between units enables drag forces to be calculated with greater realism. The vertical drag force as the wave breaks over and then acts to uplift the units due to buoyancy forces is shown below. The simulation utilizes the superimposed mesh two-phase method (see fluid-solid interaction) and was run on one processor.
Velocity profiles for one moment just after wave impact are shown in the figure below.
It is also possible to deposit packs of armour units using DEM methods to create granular packs through which wave action can be studied.
The two-way coupling has been validated and an example of coupled DEM/Fluids modelling was shown, see colliding spheres fluid-solid interaction simulation.