The initialization of nonlinear waves using an adjustment scheme

A procedure for initializing nonlinear free-surface simulations is developed and validated. Numerical simulations of nonlinear progressive waves are prone to developing spurious high-frequency standing waves unless the flow field is given sufficient time to adjust. An adjustment procedure is developed that allows nonlinear free-surface simulations to be initialized with linear solutions. The adjustment scheme allows the natural development of nonlinear self-wave (locked modes) and wave-wave (free modes) interactions. The implementation of the adjustment procedure is illustrated using a high-order spectral method. Comparisons are made to fully-nonlinear Stokes waves and Schrodinger theory. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.