Laboratory Experiments for Mass Transport Velocities and Turbulence Flows due to New Type Wave Front Breaker Over Artificial Reef

Abstract

In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted in order to investigate mass transport velocities and turbulence flows around an artificial reef due to a new type of wave front breaker over it. In addition to this, the paper examined a classification of an occurrence condition for the wave front breaker. Consequently, it was found that the occurrence condition of the wave front breaker was classified using the Ursell Parameter and relative crown depth, and an increase of mean water level behind the artificial reef did not affect the occurrence of the wave front breaker. Furthermore, reverse layers of mass transport velocities were found around the toe area of the artificial reef. The thickness of the reverse layers varied with the incident wave height and had its peak. Strong turbulence occurred during the wave run-down to the run-up phase at the breaking point. In addition, the time-averaged turbulence intensity maintained a large value not only beneath the jet time-averaged turbulence intensity maintained a large value not only beneath the jet mixing due to the wave breaking, but also near the bottom at the breaking point.