Numerical Simulation of Wave Interaction With a Pair of Fixed Large Tandem Cylinders Subjected to Regular, Non-Breaking Waves

Abstract

Abstract The wave interaction with cylinders placed in proximity results in significant modification of the wave field, wave-induced processes, and wave loading. The evaluation of such a complex wave regime and accurate assessment of the wave loading requires an efficient and accurate numerical model. Concerning the wave scattering types identified by Swan et al. (2015) and lateral progressive edge waves, this paper presents the application of a two-phase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to carry out a detailed investigation of nonlinear wave field surrounding a pair of columns placed in the tandem arrangement in the direction of wave propagation and corresponding harmonics. The numerical analysis is conducted using the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes/VOF model based on the OpenFOAM framework combined with the olaFlow toolbox for wave generation/absorption. For the simulations, the truncated cylinders are assumed vertical and surface piercing with a circular cross-section subjected to regular, non-breaking fifth-order Stokes waves propagating with moderate steepness in deep water. Primarily, the numerical model is validated with experimental data provided by ITTC (OEC)[1] for a single cylinder. Future, the given simulations are conducted for different centre-to-centre distances between the tandem large cylinders. The results show the evolution of a strong wave diffraction pattern and consequently high wave amplification harmonics around cylinders are apparent.