Simulations of a Partially Submerged Cylinder Subjected to Current and Waves

TL;DR

This paper introduces a numerical method combining Navier-Stokes equations and level-set techniques to simulate the interaction of a submerged cylinder with currents and waves, validated against experimental data.

Contribution

A novel numerical approach for simulating fluid-structure interactions involving submerged structures, currents, and surface waves using unstructured grids and advanced interface tracking.

Findings

Simulation accurately captures free surface topology and air entrapment.

Vorticity production and pressure distribution are effectively modeled.

Results validated against experimental data.

Abstract

This paper presents a new method allowing for a numerical study of the interaction between a submerged solid structure and a current with surface waves. The method involves a Navier-Stokes equation solver for a two-fluid formulation with the Accurate Conservative Level-set (ACLS) method used for interface tracking. The solver is generalized on unstructured grids, thus enabling a boundary-fitted implementation of the FSI (Fluid-Solid Interaction). A solid, vertical, partially submerged cylinder is examined as it moves through the flume. The latter is partially filled with flowing water; waves propagating on the liquid surface impact the cylinder. Simulation results include examination of the free surface topology, air entrapment and vorticity production in the cylinder wake, as well as the pressure distribution on the solid. Numerical results are validated against an experiment performed by the same authors.