New Methods and Insights in Advanced and Realistic Basin Wave Modelling

Abstract

For model tests, the correct generation of the most realistic representation of the natural wave field is of greatest importance as the environmental conditions denote the starting point for all following analyses of any behaviour of a marine structure. Thus, it has to be defined first what “reality” is, followed by a thorough analysis of the inherent limitations of basin wave fields. Furthermore, all realistic aspects of the wave field have to be modelled at sufficient accuracy involving the wave maker control, flap geometries and appropriate analysis techniques. This paper gives an overview of the most recent developments in advanced basin wave modelling including a wide range of aspects as realistic wave spreading, deterministic wave generation, focusing waves, directional wave analysis, spurious waves and shallow water wave generation.

Linking Experimental and Numerical Wave Modelling

“…In the generation of steep deterministic wave sequences at a pre-defined target location in the basin, linear wave theory may not be sufficient to calculate the required wave board motions. This can be adjusted by either applying an iterative scheme comparing and adjusting the measured time trace with the target time trace [18], or in the future by calculating the wave board motions using nonlinear wave models (CFD or potential flow methods).…”

“…Unwanted 'basin effects' can significantly affect the generated waves, as appreciated by e.g., [8,18,19]. Their significance depends on specific test conditions such as the water depth, wave period or steepness, model scale and the properties of the basin.…”

“…A wave event can be iteratively corrected based on measurements at the target location. Such a procedure was for instance used to reproduce the New Year's Wave in [18]. The wave input can thus be calculated very fast and efficiently for long time traces, but the iterative correction procedure is time-consuming in the basin.…”