[alientxtmsgs]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post on the openFOAM forums. I'm very excited to see how lively it is and looking forward to spending a lot more time here.

I've been doing some preliminary research on several software packages regarding their applicability of modeling impact and drag forces on simple structural models (square/circular columns) induced by hydraulic bores. I have experimental data for calibration in which a tsunami-induced bore is simulated via a dam-break wave over both dry and wet beds which subsequently impacts structural models of various geometries (Al-Faesly et al., 2012; Nouri et al., 2010).

Out of all the software I've looked at openFOAM looks the most appealing and as far as I can tell it can offer all the capabilities I require. This would include aspects like flooding and drying capabilities, different turbulence closure models, insertion of structural models to be impacted and outlet boundaries to allow the hydraulic bore to exit the physical domain without reflection off the downstream boundary. I also see there is a standard library for post-processing which can calculate drag/lift forces on objects, however it is not clear to me yet whether this utility could handle impact forces from the hydraulic bore.

Of course, I see the interFoam solver is capable of two-phase flows which may also be of interest in my current research for investigating the effects of air-entrainment in the bore on impact forces. I understand this would likely require some of my own code development (http://www.cfd-online.com/Forums/ope...mulations.html). For starters I am more interested in the simple one-phase simulation.

I was hoping that there were some more experienced users out there that may shed some light on whether openFOAM is worth pursuing for this application. As far as I can tell it may be one of the better routes to take, but any expert advice would be highly appreciated

Thank you and I look forward to future discussions,
Steven