Numerical simulation of solitary and random wave propagation through vegetation based on VOF method

A vertical two-dimensional numerical model has been applied to solving the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations in the simulation of current and wave propagation through vegetated and non-vegetated waters. The k-epsilon model is used for turbulence closure of RANS equations. The effect of vegetation is simulated by adding the drag force of vegetation in the flow momentum equations and turbulence model. To solve the modified N-S equations, the finite difference method is used with the staggered grid system to solver equations. The Youngs' fractional volume of fluid (VOF) is applied tracking the free surface with second-order accuracy The model has been tested by simulating dam break wave, pure current with vegetation, solitary wave runup on vegetated and non-vegetated channel, regular and random waves over a vegetated field. The model reasonably well reproduces these experimental observations, the modeling approach presented herein should be useful in simulating nearshore processes in coastal domains with vegetation effects.