Modeling Focused Breaking Wave Interactions With Pile-Net Aquaculture Structures Using REEF3D

Abstract

Abstract. For the first time, the hydrodynamics of and nonlinear wave–structure interactions between pile-net aquaculture structures (PNAS) and focused breaking waves are investigated using the open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox REEF3D. The focused breaking wave is modeled by the transient wave packet method. A continuous direct forcing approach, along with an improved fluid density treatment, is integrated for the rigid body dynamics in the viscous fluid model. Additionally, the wave loads on the nets and their shielding effects are also modeled. Based on the validations of the numerical solver, the characteristics of impact forces on and focused breaking waves interacting with PNAS are discussed. The impact forces on piles and nets rise tremendously upon interacting with rolling breaker tongues, with peak values ranging from 156.9 kN to 209.3 kN in prototype terms. Although the peak force on nets is only 27.12% lower than that on piles, the rate of force increase is more pronounced in nets than in piles. From a localized perspective, the overturning breaker with significant wave particle velocities initially impacts the pile and net panel over a small contact area, where the local peak value can reach up to 8166.2 N on a prototype scale. This research has provided valuable insight into the designs or optimization of PNAS in the future.