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Surface wave energy absorption by a partially submerged bio-inspired canopy
C Nové-Josserand1, F Castro Hebrero, L-M Petit
1Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes (PMMH), CNRS UMR 7636, ESPCI Paris-PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités-Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France.
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
|March 28, 2018
Summary
Flexible aquatic plant models demonstrate significant wave damping capabilities. Their mechanical deformation absorbs wave energy, with potential for energy harvesting, showcasing nature-inspired coastal protection solutions.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Biomechanics
- Coastal engineering
Background:
- Aquatic vegetation mitigates coastal erosion by damping waves and fluid flow.
- Flexible plant structures absorb fluid-borne energy through mechanical deformation.
- Understanding fluid-elasticity interactions is key for developing efficient energy harvesting systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of fluid-elasticity interactions in a model of aquatic plant canopies.
- To evaluate the role of structural spacing in energy absorption by flexible arrays.
- To assess the energy harvesting potential from wave damping by these structures.
Main Methods:
- Experimental wave tank setup with partially-submerged flexible canopy models.
- Analysis of surface wave fields using global wave height measurements.
- Local kinematic measurements to determine elastic energy absorption of individual elements.
Main Results:
- Flexibility enhances wave damping by approximately 40%.
- The spacing between canopy elements significantly influences energy absorption efficiency.
- Approximately 50% of the absorbed wave energy is potentially harvestable.
Conclusions:
- Flexible aquatic plant models offer substantial wave damping and energy absorption.
- Optimizing canopy structure, particularly element spacing, is crucial for maximizing efficiency.
- These findings support the development of nature-inspired solutions for coastal protection and energy harvesting.
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