This simulation, available as a pre-loaded example in FLOW-3D HYDRO, shows the wave loading on a group of piers. The model is configured to output the force calculations for each pier. FLOW-3D HYDRO can be used to accurately model the hydrodynamic forces on piers and other coastal structures, as well as free-floating and moored structures, under a variety of wave conditions.

This simulation, available in FLOW-3D HYDRO as a pre-loaded example, illustrates four mooring lines which are tethered to a coupled-motion floating object, which prevent the wave field from carrying the object out of the domain. The model can be used to determine the mooring line tension and extension, as well as the overall displacement of the floating structure.

This simulation uses FLOW-3D HYDRO‘s Moving Objects model, which couples solids with the surrounding fluid. The full mass tensor of the ship is needed to accurately characterize the hull dynamic behavior. In this side launch, the ship is released from a standby position to slide down rails before impacting the the water. Learn more at https://www.flow3d.com/products/flow-3d-hydro/ports-and-coastal/

CFD simulation showing different types of waves that can be set as boundary conditions in FLOW-3D HYDRO. FLOW-3D HYDRO lets users generate waves of varying complexity, from simple solitary and linear waves to Pierson-Moskowitz and JONSWAP spectrum-based waves. Learn more about modeling wave generation at https://www.flow3d.com/modeling-capabilities/waves/

Wave loading on critical coastal infrastructure such as wharves and breakwaters can be evaluated using FLOW-3D. In this simulation, waves entering the domain interact with the wharf piles as well as the sediment bed, eroding the bed as they break near the shore. For more information about modeling and analyzing coastal applications using FLOW-3D, visit https://www.flow3d.com/industries/coastal-and-maritime/

This video shows a FLOW-3D simulation of complicated, coupled dynamics of linear attenuator systems such as the Pelamis, using the powerful General Moving Object (GMO) model. GMO motion can be prescribed or coupled with the fluid dynamics based on a number of parameters, including linear/angular velocities, mass and moments of inertia and control forces/torques. Additionally, being able to model wave spectra such as Pierson-Moskowitz and JONSWAP allows for accurate analysis of wave energy converter devices. Watch our recent webinar on maritime, marine and coastal applications on demand at https://www.flow3d.com/resources/webinars/

In this animation, the evolution of free-surface elevation has been simulated at the Port of Imwon in Korea during a tsunami. FLOW-3D HYDRO also accurately calculates a tsunami-induced vortic flow generation in the center of the harbor. Studying these vortices can be helpful in understanding the impact of a tsunami depending on the size and the shape of the port and the breakwater layouts. For more information about simulating tsunami events, go to https://www.flow3d.com/products/flow-3d-hydro/ports-and-coastal/

In this simulation a semi-submersible offshore platform is tethered to the sea bottom using FLOW-3D‘s Mooring Line model. The platform is tethered by twelve high modulus polyethylene (HPME), SK78 EA mooring lines rated at 630 tons minimum breaking load rope. A severe sea state with 10 meter high non-linear propagating waves is defined. For more information about the new Mooring Line model to be released in FLOW-3D v11.1, please go to https://www.flow3d.com/mooring-lines-model-and-wave-absorbing-layer/

In addition to fixed pile structures, FLOW-3D can be used to simulate the forces on floating structures, such as the dock shown here. The movement of the dock is stabilized using the mooring lines model, and the dynamics of the dock as a result of a steadily increasing water level can be seen in this video. Learn more at https://www.flow3d.com/industries/coastal-and-maritime/offshore-structures/

Marine outfalls discharge untreated or primary treated flows into a submarine environment to enable a more ‘natural’ treatment of waste/stormwater in a marine environment. Discharge can be either positive, negative or neutrally buoyant, which can affect its dispersion rate. This FLOW-3D simulation video shows the dispersion of a negatively buoyant discharge plume as it exits the outfall. Learn more at https://www.flow3d.com/industries/coastal-and-maritime/

CFD can be harnessed to understand the dynamics of coastal processes – in this case, the breaching estuarine water body has been modeled using FLOW-3D. Tidal variations can cause sand bars to overtop, disrupting the pycnocline and resulting in nutrient imbalances within the estuary. For more information about modeling coastal applications, check out:
https://www.flow3d.com/industries/coastal-and-maritime/

A FLOW-3D HYDRO model of waves passing over a series of simple moving objects represents flow through a submerged, flexible coastal canopy.

This FLOW-3D HYDRO simulation of a wave energy converter uses a two-fluid model to simulate air flow through a simple turbine. The free surface 2-fluid VOF workspace template allows for faster, more consistent model setup. Learn about workspace templates and other features available in FLOW-3D HYDRO at https://www.flow3d.com/products/flow-3d-hydro/whats-new-in-flow-3d-hydro/.

FLOW-3D HYDRO simulation of a floating point absorber wave energy converter.