Influence of Turbulence Effects on the Runup of Tsunami Waves on the Shore within the Framework of the Navier–Stokes Equations

Abstract

This paper considers turbulence effects on tsunami runup on the shore in tsunami simulations using the system of three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations. The turbulence effects in tsunami propagation and runup are studied by solving the problem of a wave propagating in a nonuniform-bottom pool and collapsing with a barrier. To solve this problem, we used the turbulence model, RANS SST (Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes shear stress transport). We compared the wave profiles at different times during wave propagation, runup, and collapse. To quantify the turbulence effects, we also compared the forces acting on the basin bottom. We demonstrated that the turbulence had almost no effect on the shape of the wave and the way of its propagation (except collapse). However, turbulence effects during the runup and collapse became noticeable and could boost the flow (increasing the pressure force and the total force) by up to 25 percent.