Validation of an open-source CFD tool to support efficient design of offshore gravity-based structures exposed to extreme waves

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) could be an inexpensive complement and even an alternative to physical modelling for investigating the interaction of ocean waves with offshore structures. CFD models however cannot be relied on unless they are well validated. We validated the OpenFOAM\uae CFD toolbox, a publically available open-source model, for modelling the interaction of extreme regular and irregular waves with offshore gravity-based structures. CFD results including water levels, pressures and forces generally compared well with results for a physical model test program previously conducted by the National Research Council Canada (NRC).Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye