Mangrove Root Model Guides Coastal Erosion Prevention
#RootFix
Mangrove Root Model Guides Coastal Erosion Prevention
#RootFix
Research Terms
Mechanical Engineering Ocean Engineering
Center for Hydrodynamics and Physical Oceanography
| Director |
Oscar Curet |
| Phone | 561-297-3430 |
| Website | www.ome.fau.edu |
| Mission | To promote excellence in research and graduate education in the areas of hydrodynamics and physical oceanography. Focus will be on fluid mechanics pertaining to the ocean, air-sea interaction and to surface and sub-surface vehicles and structures. Theoretical, computational and experimental research activities include: 1) investigations of hydrodynamic design, drag, propulsion and maneuvering of vehicles and associated flow control and hydroacoustics, and 2) studies of basic physical processes involving air-sea interaction, wave motion, currents, turbulence, stratified flows, mixing and sediment transport. |
Coastal protection techniques are used to preserve harbors, piers, beaches, nearshore coastal areas, offshore areas, and other infrastructure from sea wave/current/tide erosion effects. Primary techniques used to protect coastlines include the use of breakwater devices, beach nourishment/replenishment programs, and the construction of vegetation buffers or plantings. The major benefit of using vegetation, including trees, to protect shorelines and minimize erosion is that, unlike breakwater structures, vegetated areas absorb and dissipate waves and current energy, rather than reflecting or redirecting waves/currents onto beaches or neighboring properties as done with a breakwater system.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a system for erosion control that mimics the root management of mangrove trees. This technology is a manmade erosion mitigation structure that traps and deposits sediment through the use of nine distinct cylinders arranged in a circular pattern. Proof-of-concept testing has been performed to support sediment capturing abilities of the device.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
The U.S. hydropower sector produces 38% of domestic renewable energy electricity through hydroelectric reservoirs connected to dams. Developing technologies in water-based renewables, called marine renewable or hydrokinetic energy, are providing new opportunities for the use of water as a power source and present opportunities for decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and improving environmental outcomes.
Hydrokinetic energy generates power through waves, tides, or currents, typically in marine or river settings. The use of hydrokinetic energy has been explored, but to date, only minimal commercial application of this technology has been realized. Recent advances in efficiency and scale have made it an increasingly viable energy option, especially for remote communities that have limited access to electricity from standard power grids.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a technology for energy harvesting from a hydrokinetic energy source using mangrove inspired structures. This device could be incorporated in sensitive coastal areas (e.g. tidal streams, rivers) for energy harvesting while reducing environmental impact and mitigating coastal erosion. The technology has undergone preliminary testing to support proof of principle.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
Despite the benefits of aquatic robotic systems such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for underwater exploration, their limited maneuverability and station-keeping performance preclude navigation in tight spaces, operation close to ocean structures, or use on missions where low-speed or station-keeping is required.
Researchers at FAU have developed a hybrid propulsion system that integrates a flexible fin with a propeller to produce fast, efficient, and maneuverable AUVs. The vehicle includes sonar and camera equipment for navigation, communications, and surveyance. The new propulsion system enables AUVs to perform advance force control in multiple directions (forward, backward, rapid reverse, upward, forward-lateral, station-keeping) while retaining high-speed performance. This technology has applications in marine industries including offshore energy, defense, and marine research for a range of applications including inspection, maintenance, reconnaissance, security, and research.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through development partnerships.
