Modelling and simulation of wave transformation in porous structures using VOF based two-phase flow model

This paper represents the results of wave transformation in porous structures and hydraulic performance of a vertical porous seawall. The study was carried out using a VOF based two-phase numerical hydrodynamic model. The model was developed by coupling an ordinary porous flow model based on extended Navier-Stokes equations for porous media, and a two-phase flow model. A unique solution domain was established with proper treatment of the interface boundary between water. air and the structure. The VOF method with an improved fluid advection algorithm was used to trace the interface between water and air. The resistance to flow caused by the presence of structural material was modeled in terms of drag and inertia forces. The parameters that govern resistance to flow in a porous media were calibrated for a typical structural setup and then the computational efficacy of the model was evaluated for several wave and structural conditions other than the calibrated setup. A set of comparisons of wave properties in and around the structure showed that the model reproduced reasonably good agreement between Computed results and measured data. The model was then applied to investigate wave transformation in a vertical porous structure. The role of porosity and width of a structure in reducing wave reflection and increasing energy dissipation was investigated. It is confirmed that there exists an optimum value of structure width and porosity that can maximize hydraulic performances of a porous seawall. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.