Numerical Simulation of Wave Interaction With a Pair of Fixed Large Tandem Cylinders Subjected to Regular, Non-Breaking Waves

Abstract

This paper presents the application of a two-phase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to carry out a detailed investigation of nonlinear wave field surrounding a pair of columns placed in the tandem arrangement in the direction of wave propagation and corresponding harmonics. The numerical analysis is conducted using the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes/VOF model based on the OpenFOAM framework combined with the olaFlow toolbox for wave generation and absorption. For the simulations, the truncated cylinders are assumed vertical and surface piercing with a circular cross-section subjected to regular, non-breaking fifth-order Stokes waves propagating with moderate steepness in deep water. Primarily, the numerical model is validated with experimental data for a single cylinder. Future, the given simulations are conducted for different centre-to-centre distances between the tandem large cylinders. The results show the evolution of a strong wave diffraction pattern and consequently, high wave amplification harmonics around cylinders are apparent.