Corrado Altomare

Hybridization of the wave propagation model SWASH and the meshfree particle method SPH for real coastal applications

Two computational models, Simulating WAve till SHore (SWASH) and DualSPHysics, with different computational costs and capabilities have been hybridized in this work. SWASH is a time-domain wave model based on a finite difference method for simulating nonhydrostatic, free-surface and rotational flow while DualSPHysics is a Lagrangian mesh-less model based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) technique. SWASH is a reliable model to generate and propagate waves in large domains, whereas DualSPHysics is normally used in areas close to the coastline to provide a detailed description of the interaction between sea waves and coastal structures. The presented technique is a one-way coupling, with a hybridization point where the information from SWASH is passed to DualSPHysics. SWASH is used to propagate waves along the fluid domain and to calculate velocities at different depths at the position of the hybridization point. Waves in DualSPHysics Eire generated by means of a moving boundary (MB) whose displacement in time is reconstructed using the velocities provided by SWASH. Each particle that forms the MB is displaced with its correspondent velocity that depends on its depth. The hybridization technique is validated with experimental data and the resulting model is proved to reproduce accurately wave heights and orbital velocities. Thus, the hybrid model preserves the flexibility and capabilities of DualSPHysics with important improvements in efficiency. In addition, it simulates wave propagation even more accurately than DualSPHysics taking advantage of SWASH strengths.

An innovative methodology for the re-naturalization process of a shingle beach

ABSTRACT Altomare, C., Gentile, G.M., 2013. An innovative methodology for the re-naturalization process of a shingle beach The gravel beach of Torre del Porto (Italy) was affected by a huge erosive phenomenon during the last 30 years. The causes which led to the erosion and the design lines through which to obtain the re-naturalization have been identified. Following a new methodological approach, the project consisted of entrusting assorted rubble stones with a proper weight to the area. Consequently the natural formation process can unfold again its effectiveness and the beach is recreated. The monitoring of the sediment transport was essential to provide the information about the correct results of prediction and analysis of the nourishment. The methodology, results and monitoring phases are described in this paper.