Boundary element modeling of multidirectional random waves in a harbor with a rectangular navigation channel

Abstract

A numerical model is presented for the prediction of the wave field due to the diffraction of directional random waves in a harbor with a long navigation channel dredged in the exterior region of the harbor entrance. In this study, partially reflected boundaries are considered in the harbor region and different constant water depths are set at the channel, the harbor and the exterior region of the study domain. The method for simulating the directional random waves is based on the superposition of diffraction solutions for the monochromatic wave components obtained by a two-dimensional boundary integral approach. The incident wave conditions are specified using discretized forms of the Mitsuyasu's frequency spectrum and directional function. The present numerical model is validated through comparisons with published experimental data, where good agreement between the simulated results and experimental data are obtained. Other example calculations to examine the effect of long rectangular channels (or pits) on the wave field in the harbors are also presented. Based on the comparisons in results, it is concluded that the present numerical model is an adequate and efficient tool to predict the wave field inside a harbor and around a pit like navigation channel for many practical applications.