DESIGN AND SIMULATION ANALYSIS OF 3D-PRINTED ARTIFICIAL CORAL REEFS

Abstract

This study addresses the need to understand the hydrodynamic behavior of artificial coral reefs, inspired by natural coral formations such as brain, cauliflower, lace, dome, digitate, and organ pipe corals, which are found in our oceans. The selected natural coral reef designs underwent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to replicate their behavior. These designs were then recreated through a 3D printing process to develop artificial coral reefs. Simulation analyses were conducted to assess water flow coverage and velocity. The analysis revealed that the brain and cauliflower coral design exhibited limited water flow coverage. In contrast, the digitate and organ pipe coral design demonstrated more favorable simulation outcomes, showing efficiency in mimicking the natural fluid dynamics of coral reefs. This was evidenced by the lowest velocity and more extensive water flow coverage in the digitate design. The results contribute to a better understanding of artificial coral reef design, highlighting the digitate and organ pipe coral's potential for more efficient integration into marine ecosystems. This study underscores the ecological relevance and practical benefits of using specific coral designs to enhance artificial reef performance.