Using MIKE 21 to model port conditions
We used MIKE Powered by DHI’s two-dimensional (2D) coastal modelling software MIKE 21 to model the current conditions at the port. We studied wave transformation under fair weather and cyclone conditions, currents, sediment transport and morphological evolution.
MIKE 21 allowed us to provide sufficient coverage of the overall port surroundings and maintain the required level of detail at key locations, while achieving reasonable model simulation times. For the wave transformation modelling, we applied our third-generation spectral wind-wave model – MIKE 21 SW. We then analysed the modelled long-term wave conditions. This provided the design wave as well as the normal wave conditions governing port operations. A nearshore wave model was applied to describe the wave conditions inside the port area.
The hydrodynamics modelling was done using MIKE 21 Hydrodynamics (HD). MIKE 21 HD was used to model free-surface flows, based on a finite volume solution to the non-linear shallow water equations. The model simulated water level variations and flows in response to a variety of forcing functions, including tides, winds and waves. The HD model encompassed the Gulf of Khambhat area. It included a detailed representation of the HD flow field and water levels from the general port area and adopted a flexible mesh discretisation of the model domain.
The set-up included a detailed high-resolution description of the proposed LNG terminal berths. The calibrated model was used to simulate the HD flow fields used in the moored vessel analyses.