Comparison of Numerical Models for Wave Structure Interaction Studies

In India, 45% of its 7500 km coastline is disintegrated. Infrastructural development like harbours, hinders the ideal sand sediment stream, additionally embankments and groins deter the long shore drift. Such constructions, which are beneficial for infrastructural growth, create problems to nature and part of society lying within those regions. Construction of a seawall seems a beneficial option for addressing the excessive unwanted erosion. For the design and construction of a seawall with increased sustainability, preliminary investigation on structures response to the attacked wave is essential. Such studies can be conducted experimentally, analytically and using numerical tools. Out of the various numerical tools with varying solvers available for such analysis, the most commonly adopted commercial packages for wave-structure interaction (WSI) studies are compared. Solvers based on Navier–Stokes equation, Volume of Fluid (VOF), Non-linear shallow water equations and Finite Element Method (FEM) are compared using literature. Comments on computational cost, results of overtopping and impact on structure, accuracy of results, scope of the numerical tools for WSI studies along with its pros and cons are presented. An attempt to simulate wave flume experiment by coupling of numerical tools incorporating VOF approach with FEM is performed for obtaining effective structural response. Further investigation is needed for structural response accuracy using the selected tools.