A Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of a Numerically Simulated Wave Tank

Abstract

In this paper, a two-dimensional Numerical Wave Tank (NWT) is proposed to calculate the static pressure variation along the lower wall of an experimental wave-flume. The experimental setup was a 4.72m long wave flume with a flap-type wave-maker. The experiments were carried out at various water heights of 100mm, 80mm, and 60mm, with a motor speed of 60 rpm. The numerical simulations were completed using ANSYS™ Fluent, with two sets solutions: 1) the unsteady, three-dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations coupled with a k-e turbulence model; 2) unsteady 3-D Euler equations. In both computations, the volume of fluid (VOF) method was used to capture the free surface and a grid independence study was completed. The unsteady Euler simulations showed the best agreement to the experimental results. Several cases were run to complete validation and verification of the numerical model, and the CFD results are in good agreement with the experiment. Thus, for small two-dimensional experimental wave flumes, the unsteady inviscid, volume of fluid method can accurately predict surface pressure distribution.