A new start in the Coastal Inlets Research Program, the rapid screening of coastal structure designs in FUNWAVE addresses the need to integrate high-fidelity Boussinesq-type modeling of wave transformation, interaction, and response with a range of coastal structure properties. Wave-structure interaction and general wave-driven processes are very complex and can occur across multiple temporal and spatial scales. Accurate and robust quantification of reflection, absorption, and transmission wave properties in mixed coastal domains is a ubiquitous. From a practical perspective, there is a pressing need to modernize outdated coastal design practices, guidance, and documentation that rely on simplified empirically-derived design curves from the 1980s. Using the fully nonlinear phase-resolving numerical wave model FUNWAVE-TVD, this initial effort focuses on investigating the wave-structure interactions of a single trapezoidal breakwater in one- and two-dimensions. Options to expand the investigation to other structure types and configurations will be considered in future efforts.

BENEFIT: Providing coastal planners and engineers with deterministic guidance of wave-structure interaction responses will facilitate rapid screening of design alternatives for efficient and effective decision-making under environmental uncertainty. Rapid screening using Boussinesq-type wave models will ultimately save time, money, and resources for planners and programs, tasked with executing new constructions, as well as maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. District Engineers will have access to this guidance via the comprehensive FUNWAVE Wiki for planning and feasibility studies that require advanced wave modeling for new or existing structures. This guidance will directly support Navigation and Flood Risk Management business lines.

FUNWAVE
FUNWAVE is the fully nonlinear Boussinesq-type phase-resolving numerical wave model capable of solving complex nearshore wave-induced coastal processes within intermediate and shallow water regimes. Exclusive to phase-resolving wave models are solutions of wave runup and overtopping, partially absorbing and reflecting inner boundaries, and resolution of Infragravity (IG) waves.
Information on the full capability, numerical equations, how to download, install, and run the model locally, and more can be found on the comprehensive FUNWAVE Wiki page.

Connect to DoD HPC Resources
FUNWAVE is fully parallelized and is accessible on the DoD High Performance Computing (HPC) environment for registered users with a Common Access Card (CAC). Under the ERDC Hydro Tool Kit, the FUNWAVE Portal Application offers a user-friendly interface to set up, run, and post-process numerical wave simulations in one platform. For more information, visit the FUNWAVE Wiki. Users may register for HPC access by contacting Matt Malej (matt.malej@usace.army.mil).