Three-Dimensional Tsunami Modeling Using GPU-SPHysics
Abstract
With the devastating effects of the 2004 Sumatra Tsunami, tsunami research is at an
all time high. Tsunami forecasting and modeling has become exceedingly important in
the anticipation of major disasters. Tsunami inundation modeling, how a tsunami invades
a coastal area, is an extremely useful tool for the prevention of major disaster in
tsunami laden zones. Using a new free-surface hydrodynamic modeling code called GPUSPHysics,
accurate inundation and propagation models of tsunamis can be modeled at very
high resolutions. GPU-SPHysics takes advantage of the extremely powerful computational
power of a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and calculates the dynamics of fluids based
on SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics). The implementation of SPH on the GPU not
only creates accurate, three-dimensional models but stunning visualizations of a tsunami
wave breaking on beaches or other structures. Using the data from these models, coastal
communities will be well prepared for any magnitude of tsunami that they may encounter
by adjusting their infrastructure and disaster preparation to accommodate for this common
disaster and potentially save many lives. To utilize GPU-SPHysics? models accurately,
they must first be verified. NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
has provided benchmarks for tsunami inundation and propagation models. These
benchmarks consist of analytic tests, laboratory tests and field tests. A key benchmark for
GPU-SPHysics to be verified against is the solitary wave inundation on a sloping beach experiment. The solitary wave best represents the leading wave of a tsunami; hence it is
vital to test other inundations that involve more complex structures than sloping beaches.
Through visual analysis, the GPU-SPHysics solitary wave model, accurate to a small deviation,
has been verified using the analytic calculation for maximum runup as provided
by Synolakis. To verify other benchmarks provided by NOAA, GPU-SPHysics must be
tested against multiple experiments. Once GPU-SPHysics has been verified for multiple
data sets, it can be considered an accurate tool for hazard analysis.
Citation
Munoz, Andrew J. (2010). Three-Dimensional Tsunami Modeling Using GPU-SPHysics. Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2010 -05 -8131.