Numerical simulation of water waves impact on near-shore defensive structures

Abstract

: This paper aims to give initial guidelines for oscillating water column design using computational fluid dynamics. OpenFOAM have been used to analyse, first, the feasibility to reproduce an irregular sea state. Historical data from a near-shore buoy on Saint-Jean-de-Luz has been used for this purpose. Also, an Oscillating Water Column large scale geometry has been simulated facing regular waves. Strengths and weaknesses regarding the numerical tool performance are presented and settle a point of departure to reproduce a more realistic storm event.