Simulating coastal engineering processes with OpenFOAM®

In the present work, the OpenFOAM® newly developed wave generation and active absorption boundary condition presented in the companion paper (Higuera et al., submitted for publication) is validated. In order to do so the simulation of some of the most interesting physical processes in coastal engineering is carried out and comparisons with relevant experimental benchmark cases presented. Water waves are found to be generated realistically and agreement between laboratory and numerical data is very high regarding wave breaking, run up and undertow currents.

► Relatively large simulations show good results and reasonable computational time. ► The new wave generation presents a realistic behaviour. ► The reproduction of the surf zone hydrodynamics is also very accurate. ► The five cases indicate that OpenFOAM is a suitable tool for coastal engineering.