STUDY OF EXTREME BREAKING WAVE AND ITS IMPACT ON A VERTICLE WALL SUSPENDED ABOVE FREE SURFACE

Abstract

This thesis presents an integrated approach involving precision-controlled experimentation and fit-for-purpose numerical simulation, to derive deeper insights pertaining to the physics of extreme waves and extreme wave impacts. This includes a systematic variation of the impact scenarios, and a suite of high-speed, high-resolution and highly-synchronised sensing techniques to quantify the details of fluid-structure interactions, velocity fields and spatial-temporal variations of the dynamic pressures. The physical measurements were further complemented with ISPH modelling efforts, that provided further details not tractable in the experiments. Based on results obtained, five broad impact types have been identified and defined, guided by the incident wave profiles just prior to impact. Each impact scenario had led to impact pressure time history with distinct key features. The highest impact pressures were associated with a convergence of the horizontally impinging overturning crest and the vertical surge of the wall boundary water mass. The resulting effect of a focusing incident wave front also led to the highest impact forces.