Optimizing the configuration of flow guide grid to reduce turbulence in a wave flume for coastal hydraulic research

A new wave flume for coastal research, marine ecology and marine renewable energy appli-cations is under construction at BSHC. It will be equipped with wave generator as well as with a close-loop current generation system. To enable generation control and realization of a combined wave-current flow, computer modeling and systematic flow simulations have been performed and results validated by tailored experiment. The initial objective of the study was to achieve uniform current flow in the flume and to check the potential range of axial velocity gradient control. Then, the operation of the piston-type wave maker was modeled using dynamic meshing to simulate the oscillating movement of the paddle. Experimental validation of this solution has been done. Basic results of the study are illustrated in several ways in order to trace the influence of flume design parameters on the waves-over-current flow generated in the flume and to enable control on its parameters.