Author(s): Theoharris Koftis; Panayotis Prinos
Linked Author(s): Panagiotis Prinos
Keywords: Wave-structure interaction; Floating breakwater; RANS equations; Hydro-dynamics; Turbulence
Abstract: The efficiency of a pontoon-type fixed floating breakwater (FB) is investigated numerically with the use of the COBRAS model. The RANS equations, combined with a k-ε turbulence model, and the VOF technique for tracking the free surface are used in a 2D vertical plane. The study is focused on the effects of the FB shape on the hydrodynamic characteristics of the structure (wave overtopping, transmission and reflection characteristics and flow velocity and turbulence). The studied FB configurations are a rectangular, and a trapezoid with slope of 45o, under the action of monochromatic waves. Surface elevation, RTD coefficients and detailed velocities and turbulence kinetic energy around the structure are presented. The efficiency of the FB, acting mostly in a reflective manner, is improved considerably when the shape is trapezoid and wave overtopping occurs, due to higher energy dissipation around the structure.
Year: 2005