Simulation of Wave Pressure Distribution Characteristics on Vertical Breakwaters Based on OpenFOAM

Research on wave pressure distribution characteristics holds significant theoretical value for the design and safety assessment of breakwaters. However, existing numerical simulations are mostly limited to two-dimensional models and neglect the effects of wave overtopping. To address this issue, this study established a three-dimensional numerical model capable of simulating the overtopping process based on the open-source computational fluid dynamics software OpenFOAM. The model employs the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations as the governing equations, utilizes the VOF method combined with an artificial compression term to capture free surface deformation, and implements wave generation and absorption through a velocity inlet boundary and active wave absorption, respectively. A three-dimensional model of vertical breakwaters with a harbor-enclosed layout was incorporated, with mesh refinement applied around the free surface and the breakwaters. By synchronously conducting numerical simulations and physical model tests under different water depths and corresponding irregular wave conditions, the numerical results of wave pressure at various measurement points under both overtopping and non-overtopping conditions were systematically compared with physical model test data, validating the accuracy of the numerical model. The results indicate that the simulated wave spectra in the numerical wave tank agree well with the target spectra, effectively simulating the wave propagation and the entire overtopping process. The simulated wave pressures at all measurement points show good agreement with the measured data, with a maximum error within 10% and an average error of approximately 6%. The validated 3D numerical model in this study can accurately simulate the wave overtopping process and wave pressure distribution, providing a reliable technical tool for breakwater design and safety assessment.