Numerical investigation of the influence of extreme hydrodynamic forces on the geometry of structures using OpenFOAM

The main focus of the present study is to numerically examine the effects of tsunami-like-induced hydrodynamic loading applied to free-standing structures with various architectural geometries. To accomplish these goals, the authors employed a multi-phase numerical model utilizing the volume of fluid method in the three-dimensional space. The second objective of the present study is to improve the understanding of hydrodynamic loads on structural components in order to develop practical guidelines for the engineering design of structures located in areas with a high risk of tsunami hazards. In order to evaluate the performance of the numerical model, the results of the simulation are compared with various available experimental data and physical modeling studies. The tsunami-like wave was reproduced via a sudden release of water located in an impounding reservoir located at the upstream part of a flume in the form of a dambreak wave. The shear force exerted by the hydrodynamic force on the square and round structures in the downstream area is estimated to obtain the value of tsunami loading. Finally, the validated numerical model is employed to examine the influence of the structure’s geometry on the hydrodynamic loads exerted on it.