Experimental investigation and SPH simulation on interaction between regular waves and vertical breakwater under medium-long period waves

Abstract

Medium-long period waves significantly affect the construction of coastal engineering structures. This study investigated the interaction between regular waves and a vertical breakwater through laboratory experiments and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations. Four SPH models, established using different diffusion terms and turbulence models, were compared. The numerical results were consistent with the test results. The experimental results and the improved Goda's results were consistent. The medium-long period wave force was 1.5–2 times greater than the short-period wave force. Consequently, a new formula was proposed to describe the relationship between the wave force and wave period. Furthermore, the energy evolution of wave propagation with and without a vertical breakwater was studied. It was found that the longer the period, the slower the attenuation of the wave kinetic and potential energies. The dynamic potential energy per unit length in front of the breakwater increased with an increase in the period. • Four SPH models with different treatments of governing equation are established and verified. • The medium-long period wave force is 1.5–2 times of short period wave force. • A novel formula is established to describe the relationship between wave force and period. • The energy evolution of waves propagation with or without vertical breakwater is analyzed.