A Three-Dimensional Numerical Model of Surface Waves in the Surf Zone and Longshore Current Generation over a Plane Beach

1998 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Li ◽  
B. Johns
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Duoc Nguyen ◽  
Niels Jacobsen ◽  
Dano Roelvink

This study aims at developing a new set of equations of mean motion in the presence of surface waves, which is practically applicable from deep water to the coastal zone, estuaries, and outflow areas. The generalized Lagrangian mean (GLM) method is employed to derive a set of quasi-Eulerian mean three-dimensional equations of motion, where effects of the waves are included through source terms. The obtained equations are expressed to the second-order of wave amplitude. Whereas the classical Eulerian-mean equations of motion are only applicable below the wave trough, the new equations are valid until the mean water surface even in the presence of finite-amplitude surface waves. A two-dimensional numerical model (2DV model) is developed to validate the new set of equations of motion. The 2DV model passes the test of steady monochromatic waves propagating over a slope without dissipation (adiabatic condition). This is a primary test for equations of mean motion with a known analytical solution. In addition to this, experimental data for the interaction between random waves and a mean current in both non-breaking and breaking waves are employed to validate the 2DV model. As shown by this successful implementation and validation, the implementation of these equations in any 3D model code is straightforward and may be expected to provide consistent results from deep water to the surf zone, under both weak and strong ambient currents.


1988 ◽  
Vol 1 (21) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ib A. Svendsen ◽  
Rene S. Lorenz

The problem of combined cross-shore and longshore currents generated by waves in and around a surf zone is considered in its full three-dimensional formulation. The equations for the two current components are decoupled and it is found that for a cylindrical coast with no longshore variations the longshore current variation with depth and distance from the shoreline satisfies a Poisson equation. This equation is solved by a perturbation method and it is shown that the longshore velocities are always larger than the velocities found by classical theory. In the simple uncoupled case, the full 3-D current profile is constructed by combining the results with cross - shore velocities determined in previous publications. Also, the total velocities are larger than velocities found from simple depth averaged models.


Longshore currents have in the past been analysed assuming that the lateral mixing could be attributed to turbulent processes. It is found, however, that the mixing that can be justified by assuming an eddy viscosity v t = l√k where l is the turbulent length scale, k the turbulent kinetic energy, combined with reasonable estimates for l and k is at least an order of magnitude smaller than required to explain the measured cross-shore variations of longshore currents. In this paper, it is shown that the nonlinear interaction terms between cross-and longshore currents represent a dispersive mechanism that has an effect similar to the required mixing. The mechanism is a generalization of the one-dimensional dispersion effect in a pipe discovered by Taylor (1954) and the three-dimensional dispersion in ocean currents on the continental shelf found by Fischer (1978). Numerical results are given for the dispersion effect, for the ensuing cross-shore variation of the longshore current and for the vertical profiles of the longshore currents inside as well as outside the surf zone. It is found that the dispersion effect is at least an order of magnitude larger than the turbulent mixing and that the characteristics of the results are in agreement with the sparse experimental data material available.


Author(s):  
Wenbo Duan ◽  
Ray Kirby

Surface waves have been extensively studied in earthquake seismology. Surface waves are trapped near an infinitely large surface. The displacements decay exponentially with depth. These waves are also named Rayleigh and Love waves. Surface waves are also used for nondestructive testing of surface defects. Similar waves exist in finite width three-dimensional plates. In this case, displacements are no longer constant in the direction perpendicular to the wave propagation plane. Wave energy could still be trapped near the edge of the three-dimensional plate, and hence the term edge waves. These waves are thus different to the two-dimensional Rayleigh and Love waves. This paper presents a numerical model to study dispersion properties of edge waves in plates. A two-dimensional semi-analytical finite element method is developed, and the problem is closed by a perfectly matched layer adjacent to the edge. The numerical model is validated by comparing with available analytical and numerical solutions in the literature. On this basis, higher order edge waves and mode shapes are presented for a three-dimensional plate. The characteristics of the presented edge wave modes could be used in nondestructive testing applications.


1986 ◽  
Vol 1 (20) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven K. Baum ◽  
David R. Basco

A numerical model is developed which calculates the longshore current profile for an arbitrary bottom profile. The basis of the model is the use of radiation stress theory in a longshore momentum balance equation which includes a driving stress, a bottom stress, and a lateral mixing stress. Each of the stresses is derived from previously developed formulations, rederiving them to take into account separate cross shore variations in the wave height and the water depth, as well as the wave approach angle. This is done to dispense with the constant wave breaking index assumption used to model wave decay in the surf zone, which is rejected as unrealistic for natural beaches. A numerical model is used to calculate distributions of the wave height and water depth across the surf zone for arbitrary, yet realistic, bottom profiles. A numerical model of the theoretically derived longshore momentum balance equation is developed and solved using the distributions obtained from the wave decay model. The profiles calculated are compared to previous theoretical models and to laboratory and field measurements.


Author(s):  
Gerasimos A. Kolokythas ◽  
Athanassios A. Dimas

In the present study, the three-dimensional, incompressible, turbulent, free-surface flow, developing by the propagation and breaking of nonlinear gravity waves over a constant-slope beach, is numerically simulated. The main objective is to investigate the flow structure in the surf zone as a result of the interaction between the longshore and the undertow current, induced by spilling wave breaking, oblique to the shoreline. The simulations are performed employing the so-called large-wave simulation (LWS) method coupled with a numerical solver for the Navier-Stokes equations. According to the employed LWS methodology, large velocity and free-surface scales are fully resolved, while the effect of subgrid scales is modeled by eddy-viscosity stresses, similar to large-eddy simulation (LES) methodology. In order to validate our model, the case of incoming Stokes waves with wavelength to inflow depth ratio λ/dI ≈ 6.6 and wave steepness H/λ ≈ 0.025, propagating normal to the shore over a bed of constant slope 1/35, is investigated. Our results are compared to published experimental measurements, and it is found that the LWS model predicts adequately the wave breaking parameters — breaking height and depth — and the distribution of the undertow current in the surf zone. Two cases of oblique breaking waves, with inflow angles φI = 20° and 30°, and all other parameters identical to that of the validation case, are considered. The gradual breaking of the refracted waves is captured, as well as the three-dimensional structure of the flow in the surf zone. LWS-predicted profiles of the undertow and the longshore current at several positions in the surf zone, are presented. It is indicated that the undertow prevails in the outer surf zone, while the longshore current becomes stronger in the inner surf zone and reaches its maximum magnitude close to the shore.


Author(s):  
Yasuo NIIDA ◽  
Norikazu NAKASHIKI ◽  
Takaki TSUBONO ◽  
Shin’ichi SAKAI ◽  
Teruhisa OKADA

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