Numerical Study of Solitary wave Fission Over an Underwater Step

Solitary wave fission over an underwater step is numerically investigated. The numerical model is based on the enhanced Boussinesq equations, which appropriately represent both the nonlinearity and dispersivity of surface water waves. The finite difference method defined on the staggered grid in space with an implicit scheme for time stepping is employed for the numerical solution of the governing equations. It is demonstrated that Boussinesq type equations, though they are vertically integrated, can describe the details of the solitary wave fission process with very good accuracy. Numerical results of the reflected and transmitting wave heights, the number of solitons emitted from the transmitting wave and their amplitudes all agree very well with the analytical solution derived from KdV equation by virtue of a linear long wave approximation in the vicinity of the underwater step.