2-D Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Wave Interaction with Low-Crested Breakwaters Including Breaking and Flow Recirculation

An analysis of the near-field flow at porous low-crested structures under breaking conditions is conducted, using a VOF-type numerical model based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equations and including a k-E model. Results of numerical simulations of small-scale laboratory experiments on rubble-mound submerged breakwaters are presented with emphasis on the influence of the crest width on the flow conditions. Both experimental and numerical wave flumes include a system of flow recirculation aimed to prevent the usual excessive set-up leeward of overtopped structures in 2DV configurations. The numerical model is proven to reproduce with a high degree of agreement the different phenomena of wave interaction with low-crested structures and can be used as a valuable tool for functional and structural design.