Analysis of vortex formation and energy dissipation during interaction of solitary-like waves with submerged breakwaters based on particle image velocimetry

Abstract

This study evaluates the slight variation in flow fields and the process, location, variation, and diffusion of eddies during propagation of solitary waves over various types of submerged breakwaters using particle image velocimetry, additional measurements, and theoretical formulations. We conducted various hydraulic model tests to investigate the occurrence of eddies, relative positions of structures, and related phenomena of range expansion of vortices. In addition, we observed and analyzed the differences in flow fields of solitary waves passing through sets of undulating submerged breakwaters. We also analyzed wave reflection, transmission, attenuation, and the variation in vortex energy induced by the solitary wave?breakwater interactions.