Numerical analysis of the influence of reef arrangements on artificial reef flow fields

摘要

Artificial reefs can be used to alter flow fields and provide many favorable habitat conditions for fish. Schools of fish are frequently attracted by reefs and it will gradually create artificial ecosystems. Therefore, reef deployment has been regarded as an effective method for resolving the depletion of inshore fishing and enriching marine resources. Actually previous studies on artificial reefs have examined the correlation between their configuration and fish aggregation effects through statistical analyses of field observations. However, because of high deployment costs, few studies were conducted to explore the influence of reef layouts on artificial reef flow fields. Typically, the way for reef deployment is often the crucial factor that determines whether reef blocks demonstrate their maximum function of fish aggregation. Thus, instead of employing experimental and field observations, CFD flow simulation approach was used in the present study to investigate the effects of layout changes on the flow field surrounding reefs. To conclude, the numerical results should benefit marine biologists and ocean engineers by revealing various flow patterns of different reef blocks layouts to consolidate the deployment strategy of artificial reefs.