A Three-Dimensional Numerical Study of Wave Induced Currents in the Cetraro Harbour Coastal Area (Italy)

Abstract

In this paper we propose a three-dimensional numerical study of the coastal currents produced by the wave motion in the area opposite the Cetraro harbour (Italy), during the most significant wave event for the coastal sediment transport. The aim of the present study is the characterization of the current patterns responsible for the siltation that affects the harbour entrance area and the assessment of a project solution designed to limit this phenomenon. The numerical simulations are carried out by a three-dimensional non-hydrostatic model that is based on the Navier–Stokes equations expressed in integral and contravariant form on a time-dependent curvilinear coordinate system, in which the vertical coordinate moves in order to follow the free surface variations. The numerical simulations are carried out in two different geometric configurations: a present configuration, that reproduces the geometry of the coastal defence structures currently present in the harbour area and a project configuration, which reproduces the presence of a breakwater designed to modify the coastal currents in the area opposite the harbour entrance.

Numerical Modelling of Wave Fields and Currents in Coastal Area

“…Ref. [5] presents an application case concerning the Cetraro harbor in Italy. The problem of the Cetraro harbor is characterized by the fact that obliquely incident wave trains cause longshore currents that produce siltation at the harbor's entrance.…”

“…The effects produced on the currents and vortex structure by a new designed breakwater are verified via three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations. [5] demonstrates a new designed breakwater influence for wave field propagation, producing a modification in the hydrodynamic field by erasing vortex structure.…”

“…A few considerations are made on numerical procedures adopted in [1][2][3][4][5]. In [2,4], the authors simulate a three-dimensional free surface flow by using a VOF technique.…”

“…A further generalization of the three-dimensional shock-capturing model consists of expressing motion equations in a contravariant formula on a time-dependent, generalized curvilinear coordinates system, in order to study flows in complex geometries [5].…”

“…The topics of this special issue range from new numerical schemes for wave propagation simulation; evolutions from deep water to shoreline; numerical investigations regarding specific problems like wave-breaking, turbulence models, wind effects on wave propagation over a sloping bed, wave overtopping, and dynamics related to wet-dry front propagation. In the models presented in this special issue [1][2][3][4][5], the motion equations are three-dimensionally (3D) solved.…”