Strongly nonlinear phenomena in extreme waves

Alessandro Iafrati, Francesco De Vita, Alessandro Toffoli, Alberto Alberello

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper the breaking of steep free surface waves is investigated by a two-fluid numerical approach. The study is focused at providing estimates of the energy dissipation and the variations to the spectrum associated to the breaking process. The simulations make available a highly refined description of the flow in both air and water which is also important for the estimates of load in severe conditions. Two different approaches are used to produce steep waves. A first approach exploits the classical Benjamin-Feir instability which generates extreme waves through the modulational instability process. In a second application a more realistic, narrow-banded, JONSWAP spectrum is used. Results are presented in terms of free surface dynamics and energy, separated in kinetic and potential components. The changes operated by the breaking occurrence on the spectrum are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSNAME Transactions
PublisherSociety of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
Pages17-35
Number of pages19
Volume123
ISBN (Electronic)9780939773176
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event2015 SNAME Maritime Convention - Providence, United States
Duration: 2 Nov 20157 Nov 2015

Conference

Conference2015 SNAME Maritime Convention
Abbreviated titleSMC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityProvidence
Period2/11/157/11/15

Keywords

  • Energy dissipation
  • Modulational instability
  • Navier-Stokes equations
  • Two phase flows solvers
  • Wave breaking

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