  Development of mass-source function based numerical wave tank (NWT)
algorithms in the Navier-Stokes (NSE) framework is impeded by multiple design
issues such as: (a) optimization of a number of variables characterizing the
source region, (b) wave-vorticity interactions and (c) a mandatory requirement
of modeling the domain on both sides of the wavemaker. In this paper, we
circumvent these hurdles by proposing a volume-preserving inflow-boundary based
Navier-Stokes wave tank. Wave generation and propagation is modeled in a
two-phase PLIC-VOF set-up. Near-exact volume preservation is achieved (at
arbitrarily large steepness) using kinematic stretching that is aimed towards
balancing the streamwise momentum between points lying above and below the
still water level. Numerical damping of steep waves is prevented by using
blended third-order and limiter schemes for momentum advection. In addition, a
mesh stair-stepping strategy has been adopted for modeling non-Cartesian
immersed boundaries on a staggered variable arrangement. The proposed NWT model
is rigorously benchmarked against various wave-propagation scenarios. These
include the simulation of: (a) monochromatic waves of various steepnesses, (b)
monochromatic waves superimposed with free harmonics, (c) irregular waves in
deep water and (d) wave transformation occurring over a submerged trapezoidal
bar. Excellent agreement with analytical, numerical and experimental data is
reported with both validation as well as verification of the proposed NWT model
being established.
