Numerical modelling of wave transformation over submerged breakwaters using Boussinesq-type models

Predictive skills of two numerical models, which are developed using two widely-recognised Boussinesq-type equations were further investigated in modelling evolution of water waves propagating over submerged breakwaters and the results were compared. These models are often used for practical applications due to their capabilities of simulating complex hydrodynamic characteristics in nearshore region. However, both models are found to be vulnerable to numerical instabilities when simulating wave propagation over submerged breakwaters particularly with small freeboards and steep face slopes. An artificial energy dissipation term was successfully introduced locally into one of the Boussinesq-type models to overcome unrealistic flow patterns that lead to these numerical instabilities near submerged breakwaters and the modified model was verified using a new set of wave flume data.