Finite Element Model for Wave Propagation Near Shore Based on Extended Boussinesq Equations

This paper describes the numerical model BOUSS-WMH (BOUSSinesq Wave Model for Harbours), a finite element model for nonlinear wave propagation near shore and into harbors. It is based upon an extended version of the Boussinesq equations to which terms were added to generate regular or irregular waves inside the numerical domain, absorb outgoing waves, partially reflect waves at physical boundaries, control numerical instabilities and reproduce energy dissipation due to bottom friction and wave breaking. The paper focuses on the implementation of partial reflection, bottom friction and wave breaking as well as on the model applications to experimental test cases. Results are compared with physical model tests and another numerical model. Key-Words: Wave Propagation, Boussinesq Equations, Harbours, Finite Elements