Non-Linear Wave Runup Along the Side of Ships Causing Green Water Problems: Experiments and First CFD Calculations

Large relative wave motions along the side of a ship can lead to green water on the deck. With a simplified test setup of a thin plate under an angle with the wave direction (to separate non-linear wave run up from motion effects), the non-linear wave reflection along the side of ships is studied in the present paper. These pilot tests with regular and irregular waves gave new insight in the process of non-linear wave run up with plunging and spilling breakers close to the plate. The complex processes observed made clear that linear or second order models will not be able to predict this behavior accurately. Previously [1] it was concluded that CFD methods that allow wave breaking are necessary for a prediction of these important effects. In the present paper a first pilot study is presented with an improved Volume of Fluid (VoF) Method. It is concluded that the method is in principle able to present these relative wave motions, but that a finer gridding is necessary to study the detailed flows.