Splash-up generation in a plunging breaker

We present in this paper a numerical method able to simulate the flow generated after the breaking of a wave. This latter is calculated by a direct solving of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations involving two phases (water and air) associated with an accurate interface tracking algorithm. The whole method is validated on the case of permanent non linear wave propagation. A plunging breaking of a non-linear 'sinusoidal' wave is then simulated. The tracking of a 'marked' fluid volume standing in front of the wave before the impact allows us to find the origin of the fluid involved in the splash-up. This latter appears to be mainly composed of fluid particules which were initially in front of the wave.