Adapting to Climate Change
Author: Ralph Crowly (University of North Florida)
Wave forcing experiments previously conducted in the University of Florida wave tank were computationally modeling using CD-adapco's Star-CCM+. Data from the experiments were used to calibrate the computational model. First, the wave signal itself was extensively studied using four wave generation methods - by oscillating fluid motion relative to a stationary wall boundary; by using mesh morphing to model a moving wall boundary similar to a typical piston-style wavemaker; implementation of linear wave theory; and implementation of fifth-order wave theory. Ultimately, the oscillating fluid-motion method was discarded because the latter three methods appeared to reproduce the wave signal more accurately. Associated regression coefficients between modeled and physical wave signal data were 0.81, 0.92, and 0.88 for the piston method, the linear method and the fifth-order method respectively. Once an adequate wave signal had been generated, a comparison was made between experimentally-obtained force data and data from the computational analysis. While the forcing pattern was reproduced with high-levels of accuracy both in terms of amplitude and period, the physical model appeared to behave more non-linearly than the modeled results. Additionally, downward force was not properly simulated because the computationally-modeled bridge deck did not “drain” as it did during the experiments. The computer model was modified to include a simulated “drain,” which significantly improved the model’s accuracy. Finally, the bridge was rotated to study the effects of attack angle for bridges subjected to wave attack.
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How to Cite: Crowly, R. (2014) “Computational Modeling of Hurricane Wave Forcing on Bridge Decks”, National Hydraulic Engineering Conference 2014. 1(2014).