Development of an overtopping wave absorption device for a wave-making circulating water channel

Abstract

With the improvement of the stable flow generation function of circulating water channels (CWCs), CWCs are gradually developing toward multi-functionality. The wave test capability of a CWC is limited by its short test section; so, an efficient wave absorption device is required. This paper proposes the design concept of an overtopping wave absorption device (OWAD). An optimization design of the device by combining CFD and simulation-based design (SBD) is presented. The SBD system included optimal Latin hypercube design (Opt LHD), SVR, and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The reflection coefficient was used to estimate the wave absorption device performance. Numerical analysis was performed using the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) solver and the boundary wave generation method, and was verified and validated via a procedure recommended by International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC). Under two wave conditions, four different OWAD design variables (slope angle, porosity, extension depth, and extension height) were optimized using the SBD system to minimize the reflection coefficient. Based on optimization results, the OWAD was assembled and its wave dissipation performance was confirmed experimentally. Installing an OWAD caused the reflection coefficient to be reduced from 0.161 to 0.089 for short-wave design conditions and from 0.528 to 0.128 for long-wave design conditions. A wave absorption test also showed that the wave absorption performance of the OWAD is significantly better than that of honeycomb and multiple porous plate wave absorption devices. The OWAD produces not only lower reflection coefficients but also smoother wave surfaces due to its two-dimensional structures.