Author(s): H. Fuchs; W. H. Hager
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Impulse waves; Physical modeling; Piston-type wave generator; Solitary waves; Wave run-up; Wave run-over
Abstract: Impulse waves resulting from landslides or avalanches impacting natural lakes or reservoirs constitute a severe danger to infrastructure and human life. Whereas wave properties may be predicted in advance, the effect of wave run-over is currently difficult to assess. The development of emergency action plans requires knowledge of the damage potential. The Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW) of ETH Zurich therefore investigates flow depths and velocity fields during the overland flow phase of solitary wave run-up involving a piston-type wave generator and an impermeable PVC shore in a two-dimensional test set-up. This project aims at quantifying energy conversion during wave run-up, i.e. the transition of wave motion to overland flow using a Particle Image Velocimetry system not presented herein. Following an introduction to the physical model setup, selected test results regarding scale family tests and main investigations are presented.
Year: 2011