Properties and Capabilities of a Physical and Numerical Wave Tank

Abstract The idea of a numerical test tank is to have a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) setup, closely modeled after an existing wave tank. Such a pair of real and virtual test tank serves two main purposes: The experiments allow to validate the CFD model, and in turn the CFD model allows to study a variety of test parameters before the actual measurements take place. Consequently, this study has a two part objective: first to determine the properties and capabilities of an existing wave tank and second, to establish and validate a numerical wave tank model closely modeled after the real wave tank. For this goal, a systematic variation of experiments is conducted and the resulting measurement database will be used to map out the capabilities of the test tank. Furthermore, the analysis of the results will allow to determine tank specific properties, such as the influence of the wave maker and water depth on the wave form, or the effect of the tank walls and damping beach. Next, the tests are repeated with the numerical simulation, allowing to compare and tune the virtual tank model. Again, the expected outcome is twofold: The physical experiments provide the information to determine the shortcomings and provide best practice guidelines for the operation of the test tank and the analysis of the results. The numerical wave tank will provide a validated and efficient CFD model, that can be used to plan experiments and provide insight into fluid dynamic effects.