Two-dimensional numerical simulations of solitary wave interaction with a vertical elastic plate

In this study, we numerically investigated the interaction between a solitary wave and a bottom-mounted, submerged elastic plate. The fluid structure interaction (FSI) solver (solids4Foam), the stabilized k-ω SST turbulence closure model, and the geometric volume of fluid approach (isoAdvector) were combined to simulate the dynamic process, including the plate movement and the flow field. The model package was first validated by using experimental data, and the effects of plate height, plate thickness, and the Young's modulus of plate material on the hydrodynamics were further investigated. Moreover, the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory was used to calculate the plate displacement. Lengthening the plate height, reducing the plate thicknesses, or reducing Young's modulus can all increase the plate displacement. Among them, lengthening the plate height has the greatest impact. Finally, the effects of the wave nonlinearity and plate material property on wave reflection, transmission, and dissipation were also analyzed. The results show that while the height of the plate has the most significant effect on the reflection coefficient, the plate thickness and the plate material have little influence on the reflection coefficient. The more flexible the plate is, the smaller the transmitted coefficient, and the larger the dissipation coefficient are.