Capturing wave energy converter's extreme response: Experimental validation of DualSPHysics and STAR CCM+

Validating numerical models against their physical realizations is an integral aspect, very essential for their development and a reliable assessment of their accuracy. This study focuses on comparing two different approaches: the open-source DualSPHysics, and the commercial software STAR CCM+, which have emerged as high-fidelity tools in evaluating wave energy converters’ (WEC) performance. Notably, they belong to opposite ends of the modelling spectrum, with the former relying on a Lagrangian approach, and the latter employing a Eulerian one. As ground through, our validation is performed using an experimental investigation of the Pendulum Wave Energy Converter (PeWEC), focusing on its kinematic and mooring forces. In addition to rigours validations, this comparative analysis provides an overview of the advantages and short-comings of each employed numerical model, discussing pre-processing time, computational performance, and overall code platform flexibility for end-users. The aim of this comprehensive assessment is to under-line and compare performance and accuracy of these models when employed to capture the extreme response of resonant devices, such as WECs.