Numerical Simulations of Scour around Vertical Wall Abutments with Varying Aspect Ratios under Combined Waves and Current Flows
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript could be considered for publication on the JMSE after major revisions (see my comments in the attached marked manuscript). A careful proof-reading is also suggested to improve some unclear sentences.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
A careful proof-reading is also suggested to improve some unclear sentences.
Author Response
The authors are thankful to the reviewer for providing their valuable comments. Addressing these comments have certainly enhanced the quality of the manuscript.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsPlease see the attached file.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Moderate editing of English language required.
Author Response
The authors are thankful to the reviewer for providing their valuable comments. Addressing these comments have certainly enhanced the quality of the manuscript.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsComments:
1. The study focuses on vertical wall abutment scour and its response to different aspect ratios under the influence of waves and current.
2. The numerical simulations involve solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, which are widely used in fluid dynamics.
3. The Exner formulation is used to account for bed level changes, which is crucial in understanding scour processes.
4. The Level Set Method (LSM) enhances the accuracy of depicting the free surface and sediment bed, indicating the model's sophistication.
5. Model validation using a truncated numerical wave tank demonstrates the reliability of the numerical model.
6. The study explores the effect of different aspect ratios on scour patterns, which is important for practical engineering applications.
7. The findings reveal that the highest and lowest abutment scour depths occur at specific aspect ratios, suggesting a non-linear relationship.
8. The role of aspect ratio 0.5 in increasing turbulence and forming a strong primary vortex is highlighted as a key factor behind the maximum scour depth.
9. The research contributes to our understanding of how aspect ratios influence scour depth, providing valuable insights for engineering design.
10. The study's novelty lies in its use of a three-dimensional semi-coupled model to investigate combined waves and current-induced scour with varying aspect ratios.
11. This research bridges a gap in the existing literature by addressing an area that has not been extensively explored before.
12. The combination of numerical simulations and physical validation enhances the credibility of the study's results.
13. The use of numerical modeling allows for controlled experimentation, which may not be feasible in real-world conditions.
14. The study's methodology and numerical model could potentially be applied to various coastal engineering and environmental impact assessment scenarios.
15. The finding that aspect ratio influences scour depth can be valuable in the design and maintenance of coastal structures.
16. The study underscores the importance of considering both waves and current in scour analysis, reflecting real-world conditions.
17. The insights gained from this research can aid in the development of more resilient and effective coastal protection measures.
18. The study's approach of employing a semi-coupled model can serve as a basis for future investigations in similar fields.
19. The research demonstrates the significance of sharp edges in scour depth, emphasizing the need for precise engineering designs.
20. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of their methodology, making it accessible for other researchers in the field.
21. The study's contribution to the body of knowledge in coastal engineering and sediment transport is noteworthy.
22. The results of the study have practical implications for the design and maintenance of vertical wall abutments in coastal regions.
23. Overall, this research advances our understanding of the complex interactions between waves, current, and scour processes in coastal environments.
Author Response
The authors are thankful to the reviewer for providing their valuable comments. Addressing these comments have certainly enhanced the quality of the manuscript.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsI acknowledge the efforts done by the Authors to improve the original manuscript. I still have only to issues:
(1) The Authors write: "The Schmidt number (ScT) is typically falls within the range of 10-2–102 depending on factors like temperature in air and water, respectively."
This refers to the Schmidt number (ratio of molecular kinematic viscosity to the molecular diffusion) NOT to the Turbulent Schmidt number (ratio of the turbulent kinematic viscosity to the turbulent diffusion). So, the sentence must be changed as:
"The Schmidt number (Sc) is typically falls within the range of 10-2–102 depending on factors like temperature in air and water, respectively."
(2) In the text, at line 111, Zhang et al., 2023 is indicated as Reference [40]. However, such reference is missing in the Reference List, where Reference [40] is Afzal et al. (2020). Please, correct that.
Comments on the Quality of English Language
A final proof-reading is advised.
Author Response
Authors are very thankful to the reviewers who gave valuable comments to improve our work and the manuscript. The Authors hope this revision will satisfy the queries raised by them. We believe that this review has enhanced the quality of the paper and would serve as a reference for the discussed topics.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsPlease see the attached file.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Moderate editing of English language are required.
Author Response
Authors are very thankful to the reviewers who gave valuable comments to improve our work and the manuscript. The Authors hope this revision will satisfy the queries raised by them. We believe that this review has enhanced the quality of the paper and would serve as a reference for the discussed topics.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have well addressed my comments; I suggest this manuscript can be accepted for publication in its present form.
Author Response
Authors are very thankful to the reviewers who gave valuable comments to improve our work and the manuscript. The Authors hope this revision will satisfy the queries raised by them. We believe that this review has enhanced the quality of the paper and would serve as a reference for the discussed topics.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
