Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences
First Advisor
Deniz Velioglu Sogut
Second Advisor
Robert Weaver
Third Advisor
Robert van Woesik
Fourth Advisor
Mary Ann Gaal
Abstract
This study aims to explore the wave-induced flow dynamics around Reef Ball models using dye tracing techniques. Reef Balls are hemispherical artificial reefs with a hollow center and cavities throughout each face, they are designed in this manner to enhance coral reef restoration. Reef Balls rely on wave energy and current motion to facilitate water circulation and nutrient exchange within and surrounding their structure. To understand how wave action influences flow patterns around these artificial reefs, a scaled model experiment was designed to simulate real-world conditions. The experiments were conducted in the wave flume at Florida Institute of Technology’s Surf Mechanics Lab. Dye was introduced into the wave flume and tracked using video recordings. The movement of the dye, driven solely by wave-induced flow, was analyzed under varying wave heights and periods. MATLAB was used to process the video data and map the dye’s path. The resulting dye path of each experiment was analyzed using qualitative parameters. The results indicated that the dye followed the profile of the wave, moving in an upward path as the wave crested. Similarly, the dye was shown to sweep back in a linear fashion as the wave maker retracted. Longer wave periods resulted in slow dye movement but more dye dispersion while shorter periods facilitated rapid movement but less dispersion. In all trials, the dye followed an oscillatory path around the orifices of the Reef Ball, accumulating in the central cavity before being pulled out during the wave retraction phase. The study highlights the importance of wave characteristics in the movement of water around artificial reef structures and suggests that further research is needed to simulate more realistic ocean conditions, including wave breaking and current interactions, to better understand the dynamics occurring in natural environments.
Recommended Citation
Scheele, Alexis, "Tracing Wave Induced Flow Field Surrounding Reef Balls" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1524.
https://repository.fit.edu/etd/1524
