Multi‐scale simulation with a hybrid Boussinesq‐RANS hydrodynamic model

A hybrid wave model is developed for simulation of water wave propagation from deep water to shoreline. The constituent wave models are the irrotational, 1‐D horizontal Boussinesq and 2‐D vertical Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS). The models are two‐way coupled, and the interface is placed at a location where turbulence is relatively small. Boundary conditions on the interfacing side of each model are provided by its counterpart model through data exchange. Prior to the exchange, a data transformation step is carried out due to the differences in physical variables and approximations employed in both models. The hybrid model is tested for both accuracy and speedup performance. Tests consisting of idealized solitary and standing wave motions and wave overtopping of nearshore structures show that: (1) the simulation results of the current hybrid model compare well with the idealized data, experimental data, and pure RANS model results and (2) the hybrid model saves computational time by a factor proportional to the reduction in the size of the RANS model domain. Finally, a large‐scale tsunami simulation is provided for a numerical setup that is practically unapproachable using RANS model alone; not only does the hybrid model offer more rapid simulation of relatively small‐scale problems, it provides an opportunity to examine very large total domains with the fine resolution typical of RANS simulations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.