Abstract
Abstract. In this paper, we use the in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) flow code AMAZON-SC as a numerical wave tank (NWT) to study wave loading on a wave energy converter (WEC) device in heave motion. This is a surface-capturing method for two fluid flows that treats the free surface as contact surface in the density field that is captured automatically without special provision. A time-accurate artificial compressibility method and high resolution Godunov-type scheme are employed in both fluid regions (air/water). The Cartesian cut cell method can provide a boundary-fitted mesh for a complex geometry with no requirement to re-mesh globally or even locally for moving geometry, requiring only changes to cut cell data at the body contour. Extreme wave boundary conditions are prescribed in an empty NWT and compared with physical experiments prior to calculations of extreme waves acting on a floating Bobber-type device. The validation work also includes the wave force on a fixed cylinder compared with theoretical and experimental data under regular waves. Results include free surface elevations, vertical displacement of the float, induced vertical velocity and heave force for a typical Bobber geometry with a hemispherical base under extreme wave conditions.
Highlights
We describe developments of the AMAZON-SC 3D numerical wave tank (NWT) to study extreme wave loading of a floating structure
The computational domain includes both air and water regions with the air/water boundary captured as a discontinuity in the density field thereby admitting the break up and recombination of the free surface
Extreme design wave conditions are generated in an empty NWT and compared with laboratory measurements as a precursor to calculations to investigate the survivability of the Bobber device operating in a challenging wave climate
Summary
We describe developments of the AMAZON-SC 3D numerical wave tank (NWT) to study extreme wave loading of a floating structure (in Heave motion). Cartesian cut cells are used to provide a fully boundary-fitted gridding capability on a regular background Cartesian grid. Solid objects are cut out of the background mesh leaving a set of irregularly shaped cells fitted to the boundary. The handing of numerical wave paddles and device motion in the AMAZON-SC NWT is straightforward and efficient. Extreme design wave conditions are generated in an empty NWT and compared with laboratory measurements as a precursor to calculations to investigate the survivability of the Bobber device operating in a challenging wave climate. A floating Bobber has been simulated under extreme wave conditions
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