Numerical Analysis of Modified Seabed Topography Due to the Presence of Breakwaters of Varying Reflection Characteristics using Physics-based Morphology Model [SeoulFoam]

Abstract

Numerical simulations were implemented to look into the modified seabed topography due to the presence of breakwaters of varying reflection characteristics. The numerical model was composed of OlaFlow, an OpenFoam-based tool box, and a physics-based morphology model [Seoul Foam]. In doing so, the interaction between the seabed, which undergoes deformation due to siltation and scouring, and the incoming waves was described using Dynamic Mesh. The rubble-mound, vertical, and curved slit caisson breakwaters with varying reflection characteristics resulted in standing waves that differ from each other, shown to have a significant influence on the seabed topography. These results are in line with Nielsen’s study (1993) that sands saltated under the surface nodes of standing waves, where the near-bed velocities are most substantial, convected toward the surface antinodes by boundary-layer drift. Moreover, the crest of sand waves was formed under the surface antinodes of standing waves, and the trough of sand waves was formed under the surface antinodes. In addition, sand wave amplitude reaches its peak in the curved slit caisson with a significant reflection coefficient, and the saltation of many grains of sand would cause this phenomenon due to the increased near-bed velocity under the nodes when the reflection coefficient is getting large.