A One-Way Coupled Navier–Stokes-Serre Model for Simulating the Generation and Propagation of Tsunami Waves

Abstract

In this paper, a two-dimensional numerical model for simulating the generation and propagation of tsunami waves caused by upthrust bed movement is developed. To consider the nonlinearity as well as save the computational cost, a Navier–Stokes equation solver is used for the generation zone, and a Serre equation solver is adopted for the downstream evolution of the tsunami waves. The solution of the Navier–Stokes equation solver is extracted and transferred as the initial solution of the Serre solver, which means a one-way coupling is achieved. In this way, a one-way coupled Navier–Stokes-Serre model is obtained. After a detailed validation of the individual solvers, the coupled model is utilized for simulating the generation and propagation of tsunami waves caused by the upthrust bed movement in shallow water of uniform depth. It is found that the coupled model is comparable to the traditional Boussinesq equation model. Finally, the capacity of the coupled model for simulating wave-breaking cases is demonstrated.