Exploring Dissipation Terms in the SPH Momentum Equation for Wave Breaking on a Vertical Pile

Accurate simulation of fluid flow around vertical cylinders is essential in numerous engineering applications, particularly in the design and assessment of offshore structures, bridge piers, and coastal defenses. This study employs the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method to investigate the complex dynamics of breaking waves impacting a vertical pile, a scenario marked by strong free-surface deformation, turbulence, and the wave–structure interaction. The mesh-free nature of SPH makes it especially suitable for capturing such highly nonlinear and transient hydrodynamic phenomena. The primary objective of the research is to evaluate the performance of different SPH dissipation schemes, namely artificial viscosity, laminar viscosity, and sub-particle scale (SPS) turbulence models, in reproducing key hydrodynamic features. Numerical results obtained with each scheme are systematically compared against experimental data to assess their relative accuracy and physical fidelity. Specifically, the laminar + SPS model reproduced the peak horizontal wave force within 5% of experimental values, while the artificial viscosity model overestimated the force by up to 25%. The predicted wave impact occurred at a non-dimensional time of (Formula presented.), closely matching the experimental observation. Furthermore, force and elevation predictions with the laminar + SPS model remained consistent across three particle spacings ((Formula presented.)), demonstrating good numerical convergence. This work provides critical insights into the suitability of SPH for modeling wave–structure interactions under breaking wave conditions and highlights the importance of proper dissipation modeling in achieving realistic simulations. The performance of the dissipation schemes remained robust across three tested particle spacings, confirming consistency in force and elevation predictions. Additionally, it underscores the sensitivity of SPH predictions to spatial resolution, highlighting the need for careful calibration to ensure robust and reliable outcomes. The study contributes to advancing SPH as a practical tool for engineering design and hazard assessment in coastal and offshore environments.