Performance evaluation of a seawater exchange breakwater with Helmholtz resonator using OpenFOAM

Abstract

In this study, the three dimensional numerical simulation of a seawater exchange breakwater using the Helmholtz resonator has been carried out in OpenFOAM. When the frequency of the incident wave coincides with one of the natural frequencies of a closed semi-circular resonator, resonance occurs in the resonator. The amplified water elevation in a resonator pushes the seawater periodically into the ocean/port side through the water channel and consequently improves the water quality of the port. The numerical model is based on Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations with SST turbulence model. The VOF (Volume of Fluid) method is used to capture the free surface behavior. The numerical model is validated with model experiments conducted by Cho (2001) in a two-dimensional wave tank for regular waves. Numerical simulations for the prototype model in irregular waves based on the JONSWAP spectrum are also conducted to show whether the proposed seawater exchange breakwater can be feasible to the real seas. It is found that the seawater exchanging rate is greatly enhanced in the low-frequency wave region where the frequency of the Helmholtz resonance situates. If designing the Helmholtz resonator properly, it can supply the clean seawater sustainedly into the port side without additional electric power.