Air injection effect on wave propagation: experimental modelling

Abstract

The air entrainment effect on wave breaking is of the highest importance for the wave energy dissipation. Wave breaking is a complex phenomenon with several physical processes, making it difficult to quantify the contribution of the air in the energy dissipation process. This study presents a different approach where the wave propagation is exposed to air injected in the bottom of a wave flume. The experiment allows studying in a controlled environment the direct effect of the air bubbles in the wave propagation. The measurements show the free surface elevations and velocity profiles at two sections of the wave flume. The turbulence effect of the air injection on the wave propagation was evaluated. The results show differences for the three types of air injection that were tested. The air injection rate of each orifice is an important factor for the wave dissipation. The wave heights were found to decrease due to the air injection. The Turbulent Kinetic Energy shows an increase along the water column and on the downstream direction of the flume.