APLICACIÓN DEL MÉTODO DE ELEMENTOS FINITOS Y PARTÍCULAS A CORRIENTES LITORALES

Abstract

This thesis develop an application of the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) to the surf-zone hydrodynamics. This PFEM is applied to a lagrangian formulation of the Reyolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with the Smagorinski turbulence model as closure. Numerical simulations are done in 2DV and 3D which include simulations of diverse types of breaking waves, wave propagation from deep water to shallow water, waves are generated with linear (Airy) and non linear (Cnoidal) wave theories. This simulations also include wave reflection and undertow profiles. Numerical results are compared with theoretical solutions and experimental measurements, showing a great potential that lagrangian methods have as a tool to calculate coastal hydrodynamics, sediment transport and short-term coastal morphology. This type of PFEM can be extended to any problem of fluid-structure interaction.