Numerical modelling of solitary wave and structure interactions using level-set and immersed boundary methods by adopting adequate inlet boundary conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Solitary waves are often used to replicate tsunami waves and, therefore, the study of their propagation and interactions with structures could help to understand the impacts of tsunami waves on infrastructures. This paper presents a numerical model that uses the level-set framework for simulating the propagation of solitary waves and their interactions with structures using the immersed boundary method. The model imposes a set of appropriate boundary conditions to prescribe the incoming solitary waves within the sharp-interface immersed boundary method. Turbulence is modelled using the large-eddy simulation. Experimental tests are conducted to measure the free-surface elevation and velocity field evolution of solitary waves, as they propagate downwave interacting with two different wall-mounted structures. Analysis of the computed and experimental results revealed interesting dynamics of primary vortex-tubes forming near the sharp edges of structures. It is shown that the primary vortices eventually split to form pairs of asymmetrical doublets.