Towards a more complete tool for coastal engineering: solitary wave generation, propagation and breaking in an SPH-based model

The present work describes the implementation of an advanced solitary wave generation system in the mesh-less SPH-based DualSPHysics model to simulate tsunami-like solitary waves. Three different generation theories have been implemented and are extended to generate multiple solitary waves. The numerical model is validated against theoretical solutions and physical model results from three different experimental campaigns, which investigated respectively: i) the forces exerted on harbour protections; ii) the run-up of solitary waves on a gentle beach; and iii) the impact of double solitary waves on two cylindrical reservoirs. The differences of modelling breaking and non-breaking wave conditions are highlighted. The results demonstrate the capability of DualSPHysics to represents the main hydrodynamic properties of solitary waves when interacting with the shoreline or with coastal structures. The applicability of DualSPHysics to coastal engineering problems is enhanced, being the model already capable of generating monochromatic waves and random sea states.