The proposed research is focussed on the development of theoretical and numerical models to study the nonlinear propagation of free surface waves in the occurrence of "rogue waves". Dynamics of breaking waves will be studied with particular attention to incipient breaking aiming to improve
understand the occurrence of breaking waves, which remain a centrally-important unresolved phenomenon at the wind-driven sea surface. In particular, the role of wave-wind interaction during the propagation of a wave group, will be investigated with focus on the airflow field evolution in the boundary layer of air-sea interface. Numerical solution of the equations of fluid dynamics will be corroborated by experiments performed in a wave flume.
Due to its complexity of the physical problem, a splitting of the occurring effects can be adopted in order to understand the flow behavior and to confine the research. The first item that can be addressed is a turbulent air-flow blowing on a fixed rigid water surface reproducing a single steep wave. Several airflow and steepness values will be considered. The main focus of interested is to understand the physical mechanisms, the topology and the dynamics of the boundary layer separation.
This research project is related to the cooperation activated either at National level with CNR-INSEAN and at International level with Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta - USA).
The aim of the present research is to investigate the role of the wave-wind interaction during the propagation of a wave group, with focus on the airflow field evolution in the boundary layer of air-sea interface.
The research will be carried on both through numerical computations and by experiments.
Cooperation with CNR-INSEAN as well as with university abroad (Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta - USA) will strengthen the research group.