Efficient Non-Hydrostatic Modeling of Rotational, Turbulent, Dispersive, and Variable-Density Flows in the Vicinity of River Mouths and Inlets
Abstract
The long-range goal of this project is to develop a physics framework, and an associated numerical tool, which provides relatively rapid, phase-resolving predictions of wavy environments in the presence of strong currents and vertical stratification. The benefit of this approach, as contrasted with existing models, is that here we are able to more completely represent the nonlinear wave field, without using coarse statistical approximations, and can include the non-hydrostatic physics introduced by these nearshore wind waves. The scientific objectives of this project are founded on the modeling of currents and coherent turbulent structures generated by tidal or river flow coupled directly, via the same equations, with weakly dispersive wind waves. Integrated with the hydrodynamic model will be a transport module, permitting estimation of the evolution/dispersion of scalar tracers and Lagrangian drifters, in both the depthaveraged sense and with full 3D transport modeling. Finally, modification of the governing physics will include spatial variations in fluid density, in both horizontal and vertical directions, such that fresh and salt water mixing might be captured. Combining this models ability to simulate turbulence and transport in shallow flows with its capacity to include weakly dispersive wind waves, there exists the potential to simulate a wide range of complex and nonlinear processes with a single, practical numerical approach. This project is part of the River Mouth and Inlet DRI, and will be used to both guide the field experiment and interpret the measured data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA557212
Entities
People
- Patrick J. Lynett
Organizations
- University of Southern California