Impacts of Biomimetic Mangrove Structures on Wave Attenuation in Kuala Sepetang, Perak

Abstract

Biomimicry is introduced as an approach to develop an ecologically-informed design solution. The study proposes a regenerative design solution through hydrodynamic effects of the complex mangrove roots system that is applied to a biomimetic structural column design, with consideration on interactions between root porosity, water flows, and sediment transportation. Sangga Besar River, Perak is chosen as the key parameters of the flow. The roots are modelled with a circular array of cylinders (patch) with different porosities and varying spacing ratios. 15 patches are derived from 3 main sets where each set consisted of five patches with varying porosities. The simulation of each case to understand the impacts of different patch porosity on the flow structure is carried out using Ansys Fluent Student Version 2021. The study found that turbulence is impacted, but not directly proportional to the patch porosity where there could be an optimal porosity of the patch that generates maximum yield of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate with minimum sediment erosion for the onset of sediment deposition. The patch with φ=40% has the highest turbulence dissipation rate which relatively coherent with the range of porosity that would likely be encountered in natural mangrove ecosystem.