Turbulent flow model for breaking waves

This paper presents the formulation and solution of a numerical model for breaking waves on uniform sloping bottoms. The model is based on the two-dimensional vertical (2DV) Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The effect of breaker-generated turbulence is modeled by the Reynolds stress terms in the momentum equations, together with an eddy viscosity model. A transformation technique is utilized to solve numerically the governing equations in a variable grid system. At each time level of computation, it is possible to determine directly the following wave quantities for the surf zone: water surface elevation, pressure field and velocity field. The numerical results are verified with various cases of laboratory data.