Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of 3D Wind Flow around Rhizophora Mangrove Tree and Drag Force Acting on the Wall of the Tree

Abstract

Many natural disasters, such as cyclones, typhoons, mudslides, and tsunamis, are currently plaguing the world. These tragedies, which have destroyed the coastal settlements, claim a great number of lives each year. The characteristics and structure of the Mangrove tree have the significant impact on protecting the coast from heavy wind, floods, mudslides, and other kinds of natural disasters. This research work investigates how Mangroves can protect the area near the coast from a fluid dynamics point of view. Complex real world problems require intelligent systems that combine knowledge and techniques. Hence Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique namely the finite volume method is employed as a tool in this study. In this research, a model Rhizophora Mangrove tree from Pichavaram Mangrove forest, Tamilnadu, India is generated using Ansys Workbench design modeler. A computational domain is created around this tree to reduce the boundary effect. Grid-independent research was carried out using various mesh sizes to determine the best grid resolution for the analysis. An unstructured triangular mesh was generated for the simulation. The focus of this study is to determine the 3D flow around the tree in order to determine the wind velocity, as well as the coefficient of drag and drag force on the wall tree. This research helps to give a clear understanding of wind flow around the 3D Rhizophora Mangrove tree. The velocity profile, pressure distribution, drag force, and drag coefficient around the tree are captured, analysed, and presented in detail. The results show that the Rhizophora mangrove trees can significantly reduce the flow velocity of the wind and will be able to safeguard the coast and communities nearby from natural disasters.