Simulating Breaking Focused Waves in CFD: Methodology for Controlled Generation of First and Second Order

Abstract

A new methodology is proposed for the generation of breaking focused waves in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The application of the methodology is illustrated for a numerical flume with a piston-type wavemaker built in the CFD model olaFlow. Accurate control over the spectral characteristics of the wave group near the inlet and the location of focus/breaking are achieved through empirical corrections in the input signal. Known issues related to the spatial and temporal downshift of the focal location for focusing wave groups are overcome. Focused wave groups are produced with a first- and second order-paddle motion, and the propagation of free and bound waves is validated against the experimental results. A very good overall degree of accordance is reported, which denotes that the proposed methodology can produce waves breaking at a focused location.