Physical and numerical simulation of a scaled tsunami wave : CLAWPACK and the dam break problem

A series of laboratory wave-flume experiments was conducted to investigate the predictability of the CLAWPACK numerical model for the so-called dam break problem, when attempting to recreate the propagation of a scaled tsunami wave. The model is capable of solving the Rienmann problem, whose peculiarity is a discontinuity: a dam, represented by a removable wall separating two regions of different water heights, bursts at time t = 0. Initial water depth is therefore given by the piecewise constant function. This setting was recreated by using a sliding removable wall, separating two regions with different water depths. Wave propagation was tested for different conditions of depth and vertical jump before and after the wall. Comparisons with physical experiments are presented.