Vortex shedding and evolution induced by a solitary wave propagating over a submerged cylindrical structure

The shedding and evolution of the vortical structures generated by a solitary wave propagating over a submerged cylindrical structure are investigated experimentally and numerically. The cylindrical structure consists of two concentric cylinders and represents a simplified model for an offshore submerged intake structure typically used in coastal power plants. Flow visualization by dye injection is used to identify the dominant vortical structures near the structure. The flow visualization results show an unexpected flow reversal that causes shedding of secondary vortical structures. The experimental results are used to check a three-dimensional volume of fluid-large eddy simulation (VOF-LES) numerical model. The VOF-LES model is then used to further study the flow structure. A total of six dominant vortical structures generated by the wave motion are identified, followed by two more generated by the flow reversal. In summary, this paper provides the vorticity evolution for a complex fluid–structure interaction problem and a three-dimensional numerical simulation tool has also been validated, which can be extended to study more complex geometries and wave conditions.