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In this study, a numerical model is applied to study the interaction of solitary wave and uniform current and their forces acting on a horizontal cylinder near the free surface. The model is based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, and the k − e turbulent model is used for the closure of the RANS equations. The free surface locations in the model are represented by the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. The model is satisfactorily tested against both the experimental data of flow forces acting on a horizontal cylinder and the analytical solution of solitary wave. The validated model was applied to simulate solitary wave, uniform current, and their interaction with the horizontal cylinder in coastal structures. The vortex contours around the cylinder are investigated for analysis of wave–current effects on forces acting on horizontal cylinders. Modeling results indicate that forces from combined wave and current action are larger than simple summations of wave force and current force.

A vertical two-dimensional numerical wave model is developed based on 2-D unsteady incompressible Reynolds Equation, in which the standard k-epsilon equation is used to close the Reynolds equations and VOF Youngs method is used to reconstruct the free surface. And the Dynamic Mesh Model was introduced to generate waves: smooth waves can be obtained by setting the computing area change with one boundary moving to and fro in appropriate frequency and amplitude. Finally, the validated model was used to simulate the uplift forces of the offshore platform. The relation between positions of platform and characters of wave is demonstrated and analyzed, and a tentative rule governing the uplift forces was given. It can be found that the uplift forces of platforms have linear rules with the ratio of the platform length to the wave length when they are under the water.