Development of a wave-current numerical model using Stokes 2nd Order Theory

Abstract

The optimisation of a Numerical Wave Tank is proposed to accurately model the sub surface conditions generated by regular waves superimposed on a uniform current velocity. ANSYS CFX 18.0 was used to develop a homogenous multiphase model with volume fractions to define the different phase regions. By applying CFX Expression Language at the inlet of the model, Stokes 2nd Order Theory was used to define the upstream wave and current characteristics. Horizontal and vertical velocity components, as well as surface elevation of the numerical model were compared against theoretical and experimental wave data for 3 different wave characteristics in 2 different water depths. The comparison highlighted the numerical homogeneity between the theoretical and experimental data. Therefore, this study has shown that the modelling procedure used can accurately replicate experimental testing facility flow conditions, providing a potential substitute to experimental flume or tank testing.