SIMULATION OF THE EFFECT OF BREAKWATER ON THE PROPAGATION OF SOLITARY WAVES

A numerical simulation of the effect of breakwater on the propagation of solitary waves was presented in this study using CFD based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations coupled with the renormalization group (RNG) turbulent model. The wave transformation and the flow field variation of solitary waves propagating over composite breakwaters of different heights were simulated. The effect of breakwater height on the run-up of solitary waves on the slope was discussed. The simulation results revealed a jet-like flow phenomenon when solitary waves passing over breakwaters due to the water level difference between the weather and lee sides of the breakwater; additionally, significant vorticity developed at the location where jet-like flow occurred, and relatively significant turbulent energy dissipation was generated. The simulation results showed that the run-up of the solitary waves on the sloping terrain was significantly reduced with increasing breakwater height. The solitary waves reaching land was deferred by the blocking effect of the breakwater, but the wave force on the upright section of the breakwater was increased with increasing the breakwater height.