Numerical study of the run-up of a solitary wave after propagation over a saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwater

Abstract

A numerical model is established to investigate the run-up of a solitary wave after propagating over a triangular saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwater. A rectangular-shaped submerged breakwater is simulated for comparison. Several factors, including the submerged depth, the lagoon length and the beach slope, are selected as independent variables. The free surface motions and velocity fields of the solitary wave interacting with the submerged breakwater are discussed. The results show that the submerged depth and lagoon length play significant roles in reducing the run-up. The influence of the beach slope is not significant. At the same submerged depth, the triangular saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwater has only a slightly better effect than the rectangular-shaped submerged breakwater on the run-up reduction. However, a calmer reflected wave profile could be obtained with the rougher surface of the saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwater. The study conclusions are expected to be useful for the conceptual design of saw-tooth-shaped submerged breakwaters.

Keywords

• Solitary wave
• Submerged breakwater
• Triangular saw-tooth
• Run-up
• Conceptual design