Numerical analysis of the internal kinematics and dynamics of three-dimensional breaking waves on slopes

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the development and validation of a numerical model based on coupling a higher-order Boundary Element Method (BEM) solution of fully nonlinear potential flow equations to a Volume Of Fluid (VOF) solution of Euler equations, in threedimensions (3D). The BEM solution is used as an initialization of the VOF/Navier-Stokes solver. Numerical simulations of breaking waves on sloping beaches for 2D (using an earlier similar model) and 3D flows are carried out. Finally, we simulate the breaking and post-breaking of a solitary wave over a sloping ridge in a three-dimensional numerical wave tank. Analysis of wave profiles and internal kinematics (velocity, vorticity, pressure) are presented. KEY WORDS: breaking ocean waves; nonlinear surface waves;