Biomimicry of Natural Reef Hydrodynamics in an Artificial Spur and Groove Reef Formation

Abstract

An artificial spur-and-groove (SAG) reef formation designed to perform as a submerged breakwater was studied. Not only do natural SAG reefs effectively attenuate waves, but they also create important circulation within the system that encourages the success of corals and the overall ecosystem. Modular components were developed and imported into the CFD software FLOW-3D® HYDRO to test the wave-structure interaction while adjusting the geometry of the structure, wave conditions, and depth due to tidal changes in environmental conditions similar to Moloka’i, Hawaii. Results showed highest wave height reduction with larger wave heights as well as lower submergence during low tide conditions.