LONG-TERM GOAL

The long-range goal of this work is to develop improved understanding and predictive capability for shallow water dynamics. OBJECTIVE To develop a subgrid scale model for large eddy simulation (LES) of the flow in a turbulent stratified flow in shallow water, based on parameterizations determined from field measurements, direct numerical simulation (DNS) studies, and theoretical considerations. The aim is to provide accurate characterization of energy dissipation and Reynolds stress close to surface and bottom boundaries in a way which can be easily incorporated in predictive, coarse-grid models of flow in the littoral zone under a variety of conditions. This work is complementary to other ongoing ONR funded computational (Slinn) and observational (Dhanak) studies. APPROACH The work involves theoretical analysis, numerical computations, and comparison with field measurements. The primary research tools are three-dimensional DNS and LES models, which allow simulation of ocean dynamics in shallow water and surface boundary layers.