Numerical simulation of wave-induced current with vertically varied radiation stress

Abstract

This article analyzes the vertical structure of the onshore current including the wave-induced current by an equation developed for the radiation stress against water depth. A coupled model COHERENS-SED is adopted to calculate the wave, tidal current, wave-induced current and sediment simultaneously. By applying the new model to Yangpu Bay, its reliability is verified. Then an ideal coastal domain is defined to simulate the nearshore current and wave setup with normal incident waves. The numerical and experimental results for the vertical structure show two undertows, also a visible setup in the surf zone. It demonstrates the importance of the radiation stress in wave-induced currents and mean water levels (set-up/down).