Work

Numerical Comparison of Piston-, Flap-, and Double-Flap-Type Wave Makers in a Numerical Wave Tank

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In naval and ocean engineering, accurate simulation of incident waves is essential for predicting the motion response of offshore structures. Traditional wave generation methods, such as piston- and flap-type wave makers, often face challenges in accurately replicating the orbital motion of water particles beneath the free surface, which can limit their applicability in high-fidelity simulations. In this study, a numerical investigation is conducted to compare the performance of piston-type, flap-type, and double-flap-type wave makers using STAR-CCM+2310(18.06.006-R8). The influence of water depth on wave height accuracy is evaluated across different measurement locations within a numerical wave tank. Theoretical analysis of wave generation mechanisms is incorporated to clarify the applicability limits of linear theory and to better interpret the numerical results. Results indicate that, under the tested two-dimensional CFD conditions, the double-flap-type wave maker tended to provide closer agreement with theoretical predictions, particularly at greater depths, compared with conventional methods. These findings suggest potential advantages of the double-flap configuration and provide insights for refining wave generation techniques in numerical and experimental wave tanks, thereby supporting more reliable hydrodynamic analyses of floating structures.

Source: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

DOI: 10.3390/jmse13122273

Authors: Kaicheng Yan, Haoyu Dou, Jungkeun Oh, Daewon Seo

Institutions: Zhejiang Ocean University, Kunsan National University

Language: English

Topic: Fluid Dynamics Simulations and Interactions

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Ministry of the Interior and Safety