High precision wave-making method using vertical multi-plate linkage movement for finite water depth

This paper presents a vertical multi-plate coupled wave-making method designed to simulate velocity distributions based on their morphology at finite water depths. The process is explored through both physical experiments and numerical simulations. A three-plate linkage model was developed, allowing the implementation of one-plate push and swinging wave-making, as well as three-plate linkage wave-making. This was achieved by establishing a nonlinear mapping relationship between sliders and wave-making plates. The horizontal displacements of the plates were accurately measured using a laser displacement sensor, validating the control technique. For numerical simulation, we utilized the structured dynamic mesh-based wave generation method along with a Zonal Hybrid k–ω SAS and Laminar approach (Direct Numerical Simulation), which has previously demonstrated exemplary performance. By creating a linear mapping relationship between moving and initial meshes, we successfully achieved single-plate push-swing wave generation, three-plate coupled wave generation, and four-plate coupled wave generation with high quality. Physical experiments and numerical simulations employed three sets of two-dimensional models: a pure wave flume, a rough trench embankment, and a smooth embankment. The results from the numerical simulations and physical experiments corroborated each other. A comparative analysis of the three numerical wave generation methods against the finite-depth wave theoretical solution reveals that the four-plate coupled wave generation yields the most accurate results. Additionally, this paper discusses the interaction characteristics between waves and structures.