Chang, C.-H.; Wang, K.-H., and Hsieh, P.-C., 2017. Fully nonlinear model for simulating solitary waves propagating through a partially immersed rectangular structure.

In this study, a two-dimensional fully nonlinear wave model is developed to simulate a solitary wave propagating through the surface of a partially immersed rectangular structure. The analysis includes the transient characteristics of the evolving waveforms throughout the process of wave-structure interaction. The potential-flow–based finite difference model is generalized by solving the transformed equations in grids according to a vertically transient curvilinear coordinate system. The fully nonlinear conditions at the free surface are treated by a mixed explicit-implicit scheme to ensure numerical accuracy and stability. The wave elevations in terms of reflected and transmitted waves under various structural and wave conditions are computed and compared with those from a series of small-scale experimental tests. Good agreement for results of selected cases is also confirmed by comparison with other published experimental measurements and integrated analytical-numerical model (IANM) solutions. It is found that both the structural length and the positioned gap greatly affect the wave reflection, transmission, and wave runup at the front and rear walls of the structure. For a structure with more complex geometry, simulations of a solitary wave passing through a partially immersed body with an excavated bottom are also performed. The excavated zone is shown to suppress the transmission process of the incident waves.