Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

37 pages, 9714 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Theoretical Evaluation of the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Arrays of Vertical Axisymmetric Floaters of Arbitrary Shape in front of a Vertical Breakwater

by Dimitrios N. Konispoliatis, Spyridon A. Mavrakos and Georgios M. Katsaounis

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010062 - 20 Jan 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2951

Abstract

The present paper deals with the analytical evaluation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of an array of vertical axisymmetric bodies of arbitrary shape, placed in front of a reflecting vertical breakwater, which can be conceived as floaters for wave power absorption. At the first [...] Read more.

The present paper deals with the analytical evaluation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of an array of vertical axisymmetric bodies of arbitrary shape, placed in front of a reflecting vertical breakwater, which can be conceived as floaters for wave power absorption. At the first part of the paper, the hydrodynamic interactions between the floaters and the adjacent breakwater are exactly taken into account using the method of images, whereas, the interaction phenomena between the floaters of the array are estimated using the multiple scattering approach. For the solution of the problem, the flow field around each floater of the array is subdivided into ring-shaped fluid regions, in each of which axisymmetric eigenfunction expansions for the velocity potential are made. In the second part of the paper, extensive theoretical results are presented concerning the exciting wave forces and the hydrodynamic coefficients for various arrays’ arrangements of axisymmetric floaters. The aim of the study is to show parametrically the effect that the vertical breakwater has on the hydrodynamic characteristics of each particular floater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Systems for Marine Energy Harvesting)

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21 pages, 1911 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Comparative Analysis of EEDI Versus Lifetime CO₂ Emissions

by Nikoletta L. Trivyza, Athanasios Rentizelas and Gerasimos Theotokatos

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010061 - 20 Jan 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4241

Abstract

The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) was introduced as a regulatory tool employed at the ship design phase to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and increase the vessel’s operational efficiency. Although it stimulated the greening of the shipping operations, its [...] Read more.

The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) was introduced as a regulatory tool employed at the ship design phase to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and increase the vessel’s operational efficiency. Although it stimulated the greening of the shipping operations, its effectiveness is considerably criticised from various shipping industry stakeholders. The aim of this study is to investigate the EEDI effectiveness on accurately representing the environmental performance of the next-generation ships power plants for two representative ship types, in specific, an ocean-going tanker and a cruise ship. The performance of the optimal power plant solutions identified in previous studies is analysed according to the existing EEDI regulatory framework and compared with the lifetime CO₂ emissions estimated based on an actual operating profile for each ship. The results indicate that the EEDI underestimates the effect of technologies for reducing carbon emissions in all the investigated cases. In this respect, it is concluded that EEDI is classified as a conservative metric, which however can be used as an approximation to compare alternative solutions early in the design phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling and Optimisation of Ship Energy Systems)

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13 pages, 2531 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Resonant Forcing of the Climate System in Subharmonic Modes

by Jean-Louis Pinault

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010060 - 20 Jan 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2627

Abstract

During recent decades observation of climate archives has raised several questions. Concerning the mid-Pleistocene transition problem, conflicting sets of hypotheses highlight either the role of ice sheets or atmospheric carbon dioxide in causing the increase in duration and severity of ice age cycles. [...] Read more.

During recent decades observation of climate archives has raised several questions. Concerning the mid-Pleistocene transition problem, conflicting sets of hypotheses highlight either the role of ice sheets or atmospheric carbon dioxide in causing the increase in duration and severity of ice age cycles. The role of the solar irradiance modulations in climate variability is frequently referenced but the underlying physical justifications remain most mysterious. Here, we extend the key mechanisms involving the oceanic Rossby waves in climate variability, to very long-period, multi-frequency Rossby waves winding around the subtropical gyres. Our study demonstrates that the climate system responds resonantly to solar and orbital forcing in eleven subharmonic modes. We advocate new hypotheses on the evolution of the past climate, implicating the deviation between forcing periods and natural periods according to the subharmonic modes, and the polar ice caps while challenging the role of the thermohaline circulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Physical Oceanography)

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15 pages, 4359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Simulation of System Performance Change by PID Automatic Control of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

by Lim Seungtaek, Lee Hoseang and Kim Hyeonju

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010059 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2843

Abstract

Near infinite seawater thermal energy, which is considered as an alternative to energy shortage, is expected to be available to 98 countries around the world. Currently, a demonstration plant is being built using closed MW class ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). In order [...] Read more.

Near infinite seawater thermal energy, which is considered as an alternative to energy shortage, is expected to be available to 98 countries around the world. Currently, a demonstration plant is being built using closed MW class ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). In order to stabilize the operation of the OTEC, automation through a PID control is required. To construct the control system, the control logic is constructed, the algorithm is selected, and each control value is derived. In this paper, we established an optimal control system of a closed OTEC, which is to be demonstrated in Kiribati through simulation, to compare the operating characteristics and to build a system that maintains a superheat of 1 °C or more according to seawater temperature changes. The conditions applied to the simulation were the surface seawater temperature of 31 °C and the deep seawater temperature of 5.5 °C, and the changes of turbine output, flow rate, required power, and evaporation pressure of the refrigerant pump were compared as the temperature difference gradually decreased. As a result of comparing the RPM control according to the selected PID control value, it was confirmed that an error rate of 0.01% was shown in the temperature difference condition of 21.5 °C. In addition, the average superheat degree decreased as the temperature difference decreased, and after about 6000 s and a temperature decrease to 24 °C or less, the average superheat degree was maintained while maintaining the superheat degree of 1.7 °C on average. Full article

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18 pages, 5601 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Economic Feasibility of Floating Offshore Wind Farms in the North of Spain

by Laura Castro-Santos, A. Rute Bento, Dina Silva, Nadia Salvação and C. Guedes Soares

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010058 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5301

Abstract

This paper assesses the economic feasibility of offshore wind farms installed in deep waters considering their internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The method proposed has three phases: geographic phase, economic phase, and restrictions [...] Read more.

This paper assesses the economic feasibility of offshore wind farms installed in deep waters considering their internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The method proposed has three phases: geographic phase, economic phase, and restrictions phase. The purpose of the geographic step is to obtain the input values, which will be used in the economic phase. Then, the economic parameters are calculated considering the inputs provided previously. Finally, the bathymetric restriction is added to the economic maps. The case study focused on the Cantabric and North-Atlantic coasts of Spain, areas that have not been studied previously in economic terms regarding floating offshore wind technology. Moreover, several alternatives have been considered, taking into account the type of floating offshore wind structure and the electric tariff. Results indicate which is the best floating offshore wind structure with respect to LCOE, IRR, and NPV, and where is the best location for the connection of a floating offshore wind farm in the region selected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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14 pages, 2877 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Implementation of the Listen-Before-Talk Mode for SeaSonde High-Frequency Ocean Radars

by Simone Cosoli

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010057 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2441

Abstract

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Resolution 612, in combination with Report ITU-R M2.234 (11/2011) and Recommendation ITU-R M.1874-1 (02/2013), regulates the use of the radiolocation services between 3 and 50 MHz to support high frequency oceanographic radar (HFR) operations. The operational frame for [...] Read more.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Resolution 612, in combination with Report ITU-R M2.234 (11/2011) and Recommendation ITU-R M.1874-1 (02/2013), regulates the use of the radiolocation services between 3 and 50 MHz to support high frequency oceanographic radar (HFR) operations. The operational frame for HFR systems include: band sharing capabilities, such as synchronization of the signal modulation; pulse shaping and multiple levels of filtering, to reduce out-of-band interferences; low radiated power; directional transmission antenna, to reduce emission over land. Resolution 612 also aims at reducing the use of spectral bands, either through the application of existing band-sharing capabilities, the reduction of the spectral leakage to neighboring frequency bands, or the development and implementation of listen-before-talk (LBT) capabilities. While the LBT mode is operational and commonly used at several phased-array HFR installations, the implementation to commercial direction-finding systems does not appear to be available yet. In this paper, a proof-of-concept is provided for the implementation of the LBT mode for commercial SeaSonde HFRs deployed in Australia, with potential for applications in other networks and installations elsewhere. Potential critical aspects for systems operated under this configuration are also pointed out. Both the receiver and the transmitter antennas may lose efficiency if the frequency offset from the resonant frequency or calibration pattern are too large. Radial resolution clearly degrades when a dynamical adaptation of the bandwidth is performed, which results in non-homogeneous spatial resolution and reduction of the quality of the data. A recommendation would be to perform the LBT-adapt scans after a full measurement cycle (1-h or 3-h, depending on the system configuration) is concluded. Mutual cross-interference from clock offsets between two HFR systems may bias the frequency scans when the site computers controlling data acquisitions are not properly time-synchronized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radar Technology for Coastal Areas and Open Sea Monitoring)

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26 pages, 3813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Non-Linear BEM–FEM Coupled Scheme for the Performance of Flexible Flapping-Foil Thrusters

by Dimitra E. Anevlavi, Evangelos S. Filippas, Angeliki E. Karperaki and Kostas A. Belibassakis

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010056 - 18 Jan 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3695

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that nature-inspired thrusters based on flexible oscillating foils show enhanced propulsive performance. However, understanding the underlying physics of the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) is essential to improve the efficiency of existing devices and pave the way for novel energy-efficient marine thrusters. [...] Read more.

Recent studies indicate that nature-inspired thrusters based on flexible oscillating foils show enhanced propulsive performance. However, understanding the underlying physics of the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) is essential to improve the efficiency of existing devices and pave the way for novel energy-efficient marine thrusters. In the present work, we investigate the effect of chord-wise flexibility on the propulsive performance of flapping-foil thrusters. For this purpose, a numerical method has been developed to simulate the time-dependent structural response of the flexible foil that undergoes prescribed large general motions. The fluid flow model is based on potential theory, whereas the elastic response of the foil is approximated by means of the classical Kirchhoff–Love theory for thin plates under cylindrical bending. The fully coupled FSI problem is treated numerically with a non-linear BEM–FEM scheme. The validity of the proposed scheme is established through comparisons against existing works. The performance of the flapping-foil thrusters over a range of design parameters, including flexural rigidity, Strouhal number, heaving and pitching amplitudes is also studied. The results show a propulsive efficiency enhancement of up to 6% for such systems with moderate loss in thrust, compared to rigid foils. Finally, the present model after enhancement could serve as a useful tool in the design, assessment and control of flexible biomimetic flapping-foil thrusters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wave Phenomena in Ship and Marine Hydrodynamics)

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21 pages, 5196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nearshore Waves and Littoral Drift Along a Micro-Tidal Wave-Dominated Coast Having Comparable Wind-Sea and Swell Energy

by Jesbin George, V. Sanil Kumar, R. Gowthaman and Jai Singh

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010055 - 18 Jan 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3222

Abstract

The nearshore wave characteristics and variations in littoral drift (longshore sediment transport; LST) are estimated based on different approaches for four years along the Vengurla coast, with comparable wind-sea and swell energy assessed. The waverider buoy-measured data at 15 m water depth is [...] Read more.

The nearshore wave characteristics and variations in littoral drift (longshore sediment transport; LST) are estimated based on different approaches for four years along the Vengurla coast, with comparable wind-sea and swell energy assessed. The waverider buoy-measured data at 15 m water depth is utilized as the input wave parameters along with the reanalysis model data, and the numerical wave model Delft-3D is used for estimating the nearshore wave parameters. The relative contribution of wind-seas and swells on LST rates are specifically examined. The clear prevalence of west-southwest waves implies the prevalence of south to north longshore sediment transport with net transport varying from 0.19–0.37 × 10⁵ m³/yr. LST is strongly dependent on the breaker angle and a small change in the wave direction substantially alters the LST, and hence reanalysis/model data with coarse resolutions produce large errors (~38%) in the LST estimate. The annual gross LST rate based on integral wave parameters is only 58% considering the wind-seas and swells separately, since the wind-sea energy is comparable to swell energy, and the direction of these two systems differs significantly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nearshore Hydrodynamics Research)

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10 pages, 6749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variational Data Assimilation of Tides

by Lei Shi, Liujuan Tang and Edward Myers

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010054 - 18 Jan 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1879

Abstract

This paper presents an incremental variational method to assimilate the observed tidal harmonic constants using a frequency domain linearized shallow water equation. A cost function was constructed with tidal boundary conditions and tidal forcing as its control (independent) variables. To minimize the cost [...] Read more.

This paper presents an incremental variational method to assimilate the observed tidal harmonic constants using a frequency domain linearized shallow water equation. A cost function was constructed with tidal boundary conditions and tidal forcing as its control (independent) variables. To minimize the cost function, optimal boundary conditions and tidal forcing were derived using a conventional dual 4-Dimensional Variational (4D-Var) Physical-space Statistical Analysis System. The tangent linear and adjoint model were solved by using a finite element method. By adapting the incremental form, the variational method streamlines the workflow to provide the incremental correction to the boundary conditions and tidal forcing of a hydrodynamic forward model. The method was tested for semi-diurnal M₂ tides in a regional sea with a complex tidal system. The results demonstrate a 65–72% reduction of tidal harmonic constant vector error by assimilating the observed M₂ tidal harmonic constants. In addition to improving the tides of a hydrodynamic model by optimizing boundary conditions and tidal forcing, the method computes a spatially varying uncertainty of individual tidal constituents in the model. The method provides a versatile tool for mapping the spatially continuous tides and currents in coastal and estuarine waters by assimilating the harmonic constants of individual tidal constituents of observed tides and currents. Full article

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17 pages, 6316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Scuba for In Situ Determination of Chlorophyll Distributions in Corals by Underwater Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging

by Thomas Oh, Jittiwat Sermsripong and Barry W. Hicks

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010053 - 18 Jan 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3801

Abstract

Studies reporting quantitation and imaging of chlorophyll in corals using visible fluorescent emission in the red near 680 nm can suffer from competing emission from other red-emitting pigments. Here, we report a novel method of selectively imaging chlorophyll distributions in coral in situ [...] Read more.

Studies reporting quantitation and imaging of chlorophyll in corals using visible fluorescent emission in the red near 680 nm can suffer from competing emission from other red-emitting pigments. Here, we report a novel method of selectively imaging chlorophyll distributions in coral in situ using only the near infrared (NIR) fluorescence emission from chlorophyll. Commercially available equipment was assembled that allowed the sequential imaging of visible, visible-fluorescent, and NIR-fluorescent pigments on the same corals. The relative distributions of chlorophyll and fluorescent proteins (GFPs) were examined in numerous corals in the Caribbean Sea, the Egyptian Red Sea, the Indonesian Dampier Strait, and the Florida Keys. Below 2 m depth, solar induced NIR chlorophyll fluorescence can be imaged in daylight without external lighting, thus, it is much easier to do than visible fluorescence imaging done at night. The distributions of chlorophyll and GFPs are unique in every species examined, and while there are some tissues where both fluorophores are co-resident, often tissues are selectively enriched in only one of these fluorescent pigments. Although laboratory studies have clearly shown that GFPs can be photo-protective, their inability to prevent large scale bleaching events in situ may be due to their limited tissue distribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Underwater Imaging)

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16 pages, 10233 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

UAV Photogrammetry and Ground Surveys as a Mapping Tool for Quickly Monitoring Shoreline and Beach Changes

by Antonio Zanutta, Alessandro Lambertini and Luca Vittuari

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010052 - 18 Jan 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6105

Abstract

The aim of this work is to evaluate UAV photogrammetric and GNSS techniques to investigate coastal zone morphological changes due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. Monitoring morphological beach change and coastline evolution trends is necessary to plan efficient maintenance work, sand refill [...] Read more.

The aim of this work is to evaluate UAV photogrammetric and GNSS techniques to investigate coastal zone morphological changes due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. Monitoring morphological beach change and coastline evolution trends is necessary to plan efficient maintenance work, sand refill and engineering structures to avoid coastal drift. The test area is located on the Northern Adriatic coast, a few kilometres from Ravenna (Italy). Three multi-temporal UAV surveys were performed using UAVs supported by GCPs, and Post Processed Kinematic (PPK) surveys were carried out to produce three-dimensional models to be used for comparison and validation. The statistical method based on Crossover Error Analysis was used to assess the empirical accuracy of the PPK surveys. GNSS surveys were then adopted to evaluate the accuracy of the 2019 photogrammetric DTMs. A multi-temporal analysis was carried out by gathering LiDAR dataset (2013) provided by the “Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare” (MATTM), 1:5000 Regional Technical Cartography (CTR, 1998; DBTR 2013), and 1:5000 AGEA orthophotos (2008, 2011). The digitization of shoreline position on multi-temporal orthophotos and maps, together with DTM comparison, permitted historical coastal changes to be highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing in Coastline Detection)

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15 pages, 8420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simplified Method for Defining 2-Dimensional Design Failure Curve of Marine Silty Sand under Dynamic Loading

by Su-Won Son, Jong-Chan Yoon and Jin-Man Kim

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010051 - 17 Jan 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2659

Abstract

Global warming is becoming worse owing to carbon dioxide emissions around the world, and eco-friendly energy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions is gaining importance. Wind power plants are the most representative of the environmentally friendly energy power plants built in the ocean. The [...] Read more.

Global warming is becoming worse owing to carbon dioxide emissions around the world, and eco-friendly energy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions is gaining importance. Wind power plants are the most representative of the environmentally friendly energy power plants built in the ocean. The fatigue loading and long-term dynamic behavior of offshore soils are important considerations in the construction of structures such as wind turbines in the ocean as they are subject to long-term loads such as wind and wave loads. A design graph presents the short- and long-term behaviors of soil. Several laboratory tests are typically conducted to create design graphs. In this study, a cyclic simple shear test conducted at various confining pressures and relative densities is presented in design graphs. The authors analyzed the sensitivity of the relative density and the confining pressure, and proposed a drawing technique to easily create two-dimensional design graphs. The authors found that the effect of the relative density on the design failure curve was higher compared with that of the confining pressure. The elliptic equation graph achieved the best match to the design failure curve, and the design failure curve drawing technique was summarized in five stages. In addition, the normalized cyclic stress ratio graph to distinguish safety or failure was presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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16 pages, 2896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Navigators’ Behavior Analysis Using Data Mining

by Zbigniew Pietrzykowski, Miroslaw Wielgosz and Marcin Breitsprecher

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010050 - 17 Jan 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2516

Abstract

One of the ways to prevent accidents at sea is to detect risks caused by humans and to counteract them. These tasks can be executed through an analysis of ship maneuvers and the identification of behavior considered to be potentially dangerous, e.g., based [...] Read more.

One of the ways to prevent accidents at sea is to detect risks caused by humans and to counteract them. These tasks can be executed through an analysis of ship maneuvers and the identification of behavior considered to be potentially dangerous, e.g., based on data obtained online from the automatic identification system (AIS). As a result, additional measures or actions can be taken, e.g., passing at a distance greater than previously planned. The detection of risks at sea requires a prior definition of behavior patterns and the criteria assigned to them. Each pattern represents a specific navigator’s safety profile. The criteria assigned to each pattern for the identification of the navigator’s safety profile were determined from previously recorded AIS data. Due to a large amount of data and their complex relationships, these authors have proposed to use data mining tools. This work continues previous research on this subject. The conducted analysis covered data recorded in simulation tests done by navigators. Typical ship encounter situations were included. Based on additional simulation data, the patterns of behavior were verified for the determination of a navigator’s safety profile. An example of using the presented method is given. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maritime Traffic Engineering and International Symposium Information on Ships Conference MTE-ISIS 2019)

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24 pages, 1501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical and Experimental Identification of the Aerodynamic Power Losses of the ISWEC

by Antonello Sergej Sirigu, Federico Gallizio, Giuseppe Giorgi, Mauro Bonfanti, Giovanni Bracco and Giuliana Mattiazzo

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010049 - 16 Jan 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3366

Abstract

The wave energy sector is experiencing lively years of conceptual innovation and technological advances. Among the great variety of candidates, only a few are going to be able to reach maturity and, eventually, industrial feasibility and competitiveness. The essential requisite for success is [...] Read more.

The wave energy sector is experiencing lively years of conceptual innovation and technological advances. Among the great variety of candidates, only a few are going to be able to reach maturity and, eventually, industrial feasibility and competitiveness. The essential requisite for success is the continuous innovation in response to the incremental experience gained during the design and prototyping stages. In particular, the ability to generate detailed mathematical models, representative of every phenomenon involved in the system, is crucial for informing the design and control stages, allowing to maximize productivity while minimizing costs, and inspiring technological breakthrough and innovation. This papers considers the case of the ISWEC (Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter), where a technological leap is tightly linked with the modelling of aerodynamic losses around its spinning flywheel, the core of the energy conversion chain. Two mathematical models of increasing complexity are considered, one semi-empiric and one based on computational fluid dynamics, which are successfully validated against experimental data. Such models are used to quantify the benefits of a technological innovation consisting of enclosing the flywheel in a sealed container, allowing pressure regulation to reduce aerodynamic friction. Compared to the free configuration, power losses with the enclosed configuration are about half already at atmospheric pressure, and about one third at half the atmospheric pressure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Design and Commercialization of Wave Energy Converters)

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18 pages, 2965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis Tool for the Installation of Submarine Cables in an S-Lay Configuration Including “In and Out of Water” Cable Segments

by Vasileios A. Mamatsopoulos, Constantine Michailides and Efstathios E. Theotokoglou

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010048 - 16 Jan 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 11198

Abstract

Today, the offshore oil and gas and wind power industry is a heavily regulated segment, and current standards have established restrictions which yield a very limited weather window for submarine cable installations due to experience with cable failure in bad weather. There are [...] Read more.

Today, the offshore oil and gas and wind power industry is a heavily regulated segment, and current standards have established restrictions which yield a very limited weather window for submarine cable installations due to experience with cable failure in bad weather. There are two main limiting factors in current practice during cable installation of an S-lay configuration: the design criterion for the minimum allowable radius of curvature in the touch down point and the avoidance of axial compression in the touch down zone. Accurate assessment of the cable integrity during offshore installation has drawn great attention and is related to the existing available analysis and design tools. The main purpose of this paper is to develop and propose a quick and easy custom-made analysis tool, which is able to export similar results as sophisticated finite element analysis software. The developed tool utilizes analytical equations of a catenary-type submarine structure extended to account for varying cross-sections with different weights and/or stiffnesses, as is the real practice. A comparative study is presented in this paper to evaluate the significance for the modeling of the “out of water” cable segment required for accurate safety factor quantification during a laying operation. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed tool are proven through a validation study comparing the results and the computational effort and time with commercial finite element analysis software. The analysis error in the case of not modeling the “out of water” cable part is significant, especially in shallow water areas, which proves the importance of using the proposed analysis tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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23 pages, 17964 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Experimental and Numerical Study of Pre-Swirl Stators PSS

by Kourosh Koushan, Vladimir Krasilnikov, Marco Nataletti, Lucia Sileo and Silas Spence

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010047 - 16 Jan 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6438

Abstract

Energy saving within shipping is gaining more attention due to environmental awareness, financial incentives, and, most importantly, new regional and international rules, which limit the acceptable emission from the ships considerably. One of the measures is installation of energy saving devices (ESD). One [...] Read more.

Energy saving within shipping is gaining more attention due to environmental awareness, financial incentives, and, most importantly, new regional and international rules, which limit the acceptable emission from the ships considerably. One of the measures is installation of energy saving devices (ESD). One type of such a device, known as pre-swirl stator (PSS), consists of a number (usually 3 to 5) of fins, which are mounted right in front of the propeller. By modifying the inflow and swirl into the propeller, the fins of a PSS have the possibility to increase the total propulsion efficiency. However, at the same time, they may introduce additional resistance either due to changes in pressure distribution over the aft ship or due to its own resistance of fins. In this paper, the authors present experimental and numerical investigation of a PSS for a chemical tanker. Numerical analysis of the vessel with and without PSS is performed in the model and full scale. Model testing is performed with and without PSS to verify the power savings predicted numerically. Among other quantities, 3D wake field behind the hull is densely measured at different planes, starting from the PSS plane to the rudder stock plane. 3D wake measurements are also conducted with a running propeller. The measurements show considerable improvement in the performance of the vessel fitted with PSS. On the numerical side, analyses show that scale effect plays an important role in the ESD performance. Investigation of the scale effect on the vessel equipped with an ESD provides new insight for the community, which is investing more into the development of energy saving devices, and it offers valuable information for the elaboration of scaling procedures for such vessels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the Sixth International Symposium on Marine Propulsors)

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13 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering in 2019

by JMSE Editorial Office

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010046 - 16 Jan 2020

Viewed by 2698

Abstract

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...] Full article

14 pages, 3200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Control of Synthetic Hairpin Vortices in Laminar Boundary Layer for Skin-Friction Reduction

by Bonguk Koo and Yong-Duck Kang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010045 - 15 Jan 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2520

Abstract

The results of flow visualization and hot-film measurement in a water channel are presented in this paper, in which the effectiveness of controlling synthetic hairpin vortices in the laminar boundary layer is examined to reduce skin friction. In this study, hairpin vortices were [...] Read more.

The results of flow visualization and hot-film measurement in a water channel are presented in this paper, in which the effectiveness of controlling synthetic hairpin vortices in the laminar boundary layer is examined to reduce skin friction. In this study, hairpin vortices were generated by periodically injecting vortex rings into a cross flow through a hole on a flat plate. To control the hairpin vortices, jets were issued from a nozzle directly onto the head of the hairpins. The results of the flow visualization demonstrated that the jets destroyed the hairpins by disconnecting the heads from their legs, after which the weakened hairpin vortices could not develop. Therefore, the circulation around the legs was reduced, which suggests that the direct intervention on the hairpin heads resulted in the reduction of streamwise stretching. Data obtained by a hot-film sensor showed that the high-speed regions outside the hairpin legs were reduced in speed by this control technique, leading to a decrease in the associated local skin friction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ship Hydrodynamics)

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14 pages, 2282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Approach for Diver Passive Detection Based on the Established Model of Breathing Sound Emission

by Qiang Tu, Fei Yuan, Weidi Yang and En Cheng

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010044 - 15 Jan 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3871

Abstract

Diver breathing sounds can be used as a characteristic for the passive detection of divers. This work introduces an approach for detecting the presence of a diver based on diver breathing sounds signals. An underwater channel model for passive diver detection is built [...] Read more.

Diver breathing sounds can be used as a characteristic for the passive detection of divers. This work introduces an approach for detecting the presence of a diver based on diver breathing sounds signals. An underwater channel model for passive diver detection is built to evaluate the impacts of acoustic energy transmission loss and ambient noise interference. The noise components of the observed signals are suppressed by spectral subtraction based on block-based threshold theory and smooth minimal statistic noise tracking theory. Then the envelope spectrum features of the denoised signal are extracted for diver detection. The performance of the proposed detection method is demonstrated through experimental analysis and numerical modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Localization, Mapping and SLAM in Marine and Underwater Environments)

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16 pages, 11809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a Realistic Estimation of the Powering Performance of a Ship with a Gate Rudder System

by Noriyuki Sasaki, S. Kuribayashi, M. Fukazawa and Mehmet Atlar

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010043 - 15 Jan 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4382

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation on the scale effects associated with the powering performance of a Gate Rudder System (GRS) which was recently introduced as a novel energy-saving propulsion and maneuvring device. This new system was applied for the first time on a [...] Read more.

This paper presents an investigation on the scale effects associated with the powering performance of a Gate Rudder System (GRS) which was recently introduced as a novel energy-saving propulsion and maneuvring device. This new system was applied for the first time on a 2400 GT domestic container ship, and full-scale sea trials were conducted successfully in Japan, in 2017. The trials confirmed the superior powering and maneuvring performance of this novel system. However, a significant discrepancy was also noticed between the model test-based performance predictions and the full-scale measurements. The discrepancy was in the power-speed data and also in the maneuvring test data when these data were compared with the data of her sister container ship which was equipped with a conventional flap rudder. Twelve months after the delivery of the vessel with the gate rudder system, the voyage data revealed a surprisingly more significant difference in the powering performance based on the voyage data. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to take a further step towards an improved estimation of the powering performance of ships with a GRS with a specific emphasis on the scale effect issues associated with a GRS. More specifically, this study investigated the scale effects on the powering performance of a gate rudder system based on the analyses of the data from two tank tests and full-scale trials with the above-mentioned sister ships. The study focused on the corrections for the scale effects, which were believed to be associated with the drag and lift characteristics of the gate rudder blades due to the low Reynolds number experienced in model tests combined with the unique arrangement of this rudder and propulsion system. Based on the appropriate semi-empirical approaches that support model test and full-scale data, this study verified the scale effect phenomenon and presented the associated correction procedure. Also, this study presented an enhanced methodology for the powering performance prediction of a ship driven by a GRS implementing the proposed scale effect correction. The predicted powering performance of the subject container vessel with the GRS presented an excellent agreement with the full-scale trials data justifying the claimed scale effect and associated correction procedure, as well as the proposed enhanced methodology for the practical way of predicting the powering performance of a ship with the GRS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the Sixth International Symposium on Marine Propulsors)

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17 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sensitivity of a Dike-Marsh System to Sea-Level Rise—A Model-Based Exploration

by Richard Marijnissen, Matthijs Kok, Carolien Kroeze and Jantsje van Loon-Steensma

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010042 - 15 Jan 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4205

Abstract

Integrating natural components in flood defence infrastructure can add resilience to sea-level rise. Natural foreshores can keep pace with sea-level rise by accumulating sediment and attenuate waves before reaching the adjacent flood defences. In this study we address how natural foreshores affect the [...] Read more.

Integrating natural components in flood defence infrastructure can add resilience to sea-level rise. Natural foreshores can keep pace with sea-level rise by accumulating sediment and attenuate waves before reaching the adjacent flood defences. In this study we address how natural foreshores affect the future need for dike heightening. A simplified model of vertical marsh accretion was combined with a wave model and a probabilistic evaluation of dike failure by overtopping. The sensitivity of a marsh-dike system was evaluated in relation to a combination of processes: (1) sea-level rise, (2) changes in sediment concentration, (3) a retreat of the marsh edge, and (4) compaction of the marsh. Results indicate that foreshore processes considerably affect the need for dike heightening in the future. At a low sea-level rise rate, the marshes can accrete such that dike heightening is partially mitigated. But with sea-level rise accelerating, a threshold is reached where dike heightening needs to compensate for the loss of marshes, and for increasing water levels. The level of the threshold depends mostly on the delivery of sediment and degree of compaction on the marsh; with sufficient width of the marsh, lateral erosion only has a minor effect. The study shows how processes and practices that hamper or enhance marsh development today exacerbate or alleviate the challenge of flood protection posed by accelerated sea-level rise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Flood Defences)

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16 pages, 1066 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Ocean-Going Autonomous Ship—Challenges and Threats

by Andrzej Felski and Karolina Zwolak

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010041 - 15 Jan 2020

Cited by 101 | Viewed by 12655

Abstract

Unmanned vehicles have become a part of everyday life, not only in the air, but also at sea. In the case of sea, until now this usually meant small platforms operating near shores, usually for surveying or research purposes. However, experiments with larger [...] Read more.

Unmanned vehicles have become a part of everyday life, not only in the air, but also at sea. In the case of sea, until now this usually meant small platforms operating near shores, usually for surveying or research purposes. However, experiments with larger cargo vessels, designed to operate on the high seas are already being carried out. In this context, there are questions about the threats that this solution may pose for other sea users, as well as the safety of the unmanned vehicle itself and the cargo or equipment on board. The problems can be considered in the context of system reliability as well as the resilience to interference or other intentional actions directed against these objects—for example, of a criminal nature. The paper describes the dangers that arise from the specificity of systems that can be used to solve navigational problems, as well as the analysis of the first experiences of the authors arising from the transit of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) from the United Kingdom to Belgium and back, crossing the busiest world shipping route—the English Channel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maritime Traffic Engineering and International Symposium Information on Ships Conference MTE-ISIS 2019)

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18 pages, 8189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Crack Length and Angle at the Center Weld Seam of Offshore Platforms Using a Neural Network Approach

by Qingxi Yang, Gongbo Li, Weilei Mu, Guijie Liu and Hailiang Sun

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010040 - 13 Jan 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2496

Abstract

The reconstruction algorithm for the probabilistic inspection of damage (RAPID) is aimed at localizing structural damage via the signal difference coefficient (SDC) between the signals of the present and reference conditions. However, tomography is only capable of presenting the approximate location and not [...] Read more.

The reconstruction algorithm for the probabilistic inspection of damage (RAPID) is aimed at localizing structural damage via the signal difference coefficient (SDC) between the signals of the present and reference conditions. However, tomography is only capable of presenting the approximate location and not the length and angle of defects. Therefore, a new quantitative evaluation method called the multiple back propagation neural network (Multi-BPNN) is proposed in this work. The Multi-BPNN employs SDC values as input variables and outputs the predicted length and angle, with each output node depending on an individual hidden layer. The cracks of different lengths and angles at the center weld seam of offshore platforms are simulated numerically. The SDC values of the simulations and experiments were normalized for each sample to eliminate external interference in the experiments. Then, the normalized simulation data were employed to train the proposed neural network. The results of the simulations and experimental verification indicated that the Multi-BPNN can effectively predict crack length and angle, and has better stability and generalization capacity than the multi-input to multi-output back propagation neural network. Full article

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14 pages, 5712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compressibility Effects on Cavity Dynamics behind a Two-Dimensional Wedge

by Sunho Park, Woochan Seok, Sung Taek Park, Shin Hyung Rhee, Yohan Choe, Chongam Kim, Ji-Hye Kim and Byoung-Kwon Ahn

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010039 - 13 Jan 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2489

Abstract

To understand cavity dynamics, many experimental and computational studies have been conducted for many decades. As computational methods, incompressible, isothermal compressible, and fully compressible flow solvers were used for the purpose. In the present study, to understand the compressibility effect on cavity dynamics, [...] Read more.

To understand cavity dynamics, many experimental and computational studies have been conducted for many decades. As computational methods, incompressible, isothermal compressible, and fully compressible flow solvers were used for the purpose. In the present study, to understand the compressibility effect on cavity dynamics, both incompressible and fully compressible flow solvers were developed, respectively. Experiments were also carried out in a cavitation tunnel to compare with the computational results. The cavity shedding dynamics, re-entrant jet, transition from bounded shear layer vortices to Karman vortices, and pressure and velocity contours behind the two-dimensional wedge by the two developed solvers were compared at various cavitation numbers. Full article

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16 pages, 3325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Step Vacuum Preloading Method: A Case Study on High Clay Content Dredger Fill in Tianjin, China

by Jinfeng Li, Huie Chen, Xiaoqing Yuan and Wenchong Shan

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010038 - 13 Jan 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2719

Abstract

As a solution to avoid the blockage of the drainage pipe by traditional vacuum preloading, step vacuum preloading (SVP) has been progressively studied. However, the effectiveness of this technique has yet to be systematically analyzed. In this study, an indoor model test was [...] Read more.

As a solution to avoid the blockage of the drainage pipe by traditional vacuum preloading, step vacuum preloading (SVP) has been progressively studied. However, the effectiveness of this technique has yet to be systematically analyzed. In this study, an indoor model test was conducted in which vacuum pressure was applied in five stages (10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kPa) to dredger soil with high clay content at a reclamation site in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, China. The extent of the consolidation effect of the soil was determined, and the effectiveness of the step vacuum preloading method to address drainage pipe blockage was evaluated. The results indicate that soil settlement increases at each stage of vacuum pressure treatment and the degree of vertical consolidation at each stage exceeds 90%. At the end of the treatment stage with vacuum pressure of 80 kPa, the weakly bound water was discharged. Dissipation of pore water pressure occurred in all stages. On the basis of these results, it is shown that SVP can efficiently reinforce dredger fill. Moreover, after SVP, the grain size of the soil and void ratio are still uniformly distributed. Regardless of their location from the drainage pipe, soil exhibits permeability coefficients within the same order of magnitude. The consolidation effect of soil in each stage and the increased drainage rate in the initial stage of vacuum preloading with 80 kPa indicate that the test in the current study can decrease the horizontal displacement of fine particles and can avoid drainage pipe blockage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Coastal Engineering)

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22 pages, 2725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coastal Management Software to Support the Decision-Makers to Mitigate Coastal Erosion

by Carlos Coelho, Pedro Narra, Bárbara Marinho and Márcia Lima

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010037 - 11 Jan 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6801

Abstract

There are no sequential and integrated approaches that include the steps needed to perform an adequate management and planning of the coastal zones to mitigate coastal erosion problems and climate change effects. Important numerical model packs are available for users, but often looking [...] Read more.

There are no sequential and integrated approaches that include the steps needed to perform an adequate management and planning of the coastal zones to mitigate coastal erosion problems and climate change effects. Important numerical model packs are available for users, but often looking deeply to the physical processes, demanding big computational efforts and focusing on specific problems. Thus, it is important to provide adequate tools to the decision-makers, which can be easily interpreted by populations, promoting discussions of optimal intervention scenarios in medium to long-term horizons. COMASO (coastal management software) intends to fill this gap, presenting a group of tools that can be applied in standalone mode, or in a sequential order. The first tool should map the coastal erosion vulnerability and risk, also including the climate change effects, defining a hierarchy of priorities where coastal defense interventions should be performed, or limiting/constraining some land uses or activities. In the locations identified as priorities, a more detailed analysis should consider the application of shoreline and cross-shore evolution models (second tool), allowing discussing intervention scenarios, in medium to long-term horizons. After the defined scenarios, the design of the intervention should be discussed, both in case of being a hard coastal structure or an artificial nourishment (third type of tools). Finally, a cost-benefit assessment tool should optimize the decisions, forecasting costs and benefits for each different scenario, through definition of economic values to the interventions and to the land/services/ecosystems, weighting all the environmental, cultural, social and historical aspects. It is considered that COMASO tools can help giving answers to the major problems of the coastal planning and management entities, integrating transversal knowledge in risk assessment, physical processes, engineering and economic evaluations. The integrated coastal zone management needs these tools to ensure sustainable coastal zones, mitigating erosion and climate change effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitigating Coastal Erosion and Climate Change Impacts)

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11 pages, 468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Equilibrium Scour Depth around a Pier under the Action of Collinear Waves and Current

by Ainal Hoque Gazi, Subhrangshu Purkayastha and Mohammad Saud Afzal

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010036 - 11 Jan 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3976

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical equation is developed for the equilibrium scour depth considering an arbitrary shape of the scour hole around a pier under the action of collinear waves and current. A power-law current velocity profile is assumed for the purpose of [...] Read more.

In this paper, a mathematical equation is developed for the equilibrium scour depth considering an arbitrary shape of the scour hole around a pier under the action of collinear waves and current. A power-law current velocity profile is assumed for the purpose of the analysis. The equilibrium scour depth is obtained by equating the work done by the flowing fluid while interacting with the pier under the action of the collinear waves and the current and the work done by the total volume of the sediment particles removed from the scour hole, respectively. The equilibrium scour depths predicted by the model show good agreement with the experimental and numerical results available in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wave–Current Interaction in Coastal Areas)

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65 pages, 2766 KiB

Open AccessReview

Efficient Nonlinear Hydrodynamic Models for Wave Energy Converter Design—A Scoping Study

by Josh Davidson and Ronan Costello

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010035 - 11 Jan 2020

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 7028

Abstract

This review focuses on the most suitable form of hydrodynamic modeling for the next generation wave energy converter (WEC) design tools. To design and optimize a WEC, it is estimated that several million hours of operation must be simulated, perhaps one million hours [...] Read more.

This review focuses on the most suitable form of hydrodynamic modeling for the next generation wave energy converter (WEC) design tools. To design and optimize a WEC, it is estimated that several million hours of operation must be simulated, perhaps one million hours of WEC simulation per year of the R&D program. This level of coverage is possible with linear potential flow (LPF) models, but the fidelity of the physics included is not adequate. Conversely, while Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) type computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers provide a high fidelity representation of the physics, the increased computational burden of these models renders the required amount of simulations infeasible. To scope the fast, high fidelity options, the present literature review aims to focus on what CFD theories exist intermediate to LPF and RANS as well as other modeling options that are computationally fast while retaining higher fidelity than LPF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nonlinear Numerical Modelling of Wave Energy Converters)

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11 pages, 1676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability Analysis of Different Configurations of Master and Back-Up Systems Used in Maritime Navigation

by Agnieszka Blokus and Przemysław Dziula

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010034 - 10 Jan 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2130

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison of the reliability of various configurations of electronic navigation appliances, from a single system not duplicated (without back-up) to complex systems built of a master system and different numbers of reserve (back-up) systems. For reliability analysis, we created [...] Read more.

This paper presents a comparison of the reliability of various configurations of electronic navigation appliances, from a single system not duplicated (without back-up) to complex systems built of a master system and different numbers of reserve (back-up) systems. For reliability analysis, we created a model of an electronic navigation system reflecting the influence of the number of reserve systems on the entire system reliability. Navigation systems were analyzed as multistate systems. Assuming that they degrade from the state of full reliability to entire failure, their basic reliability characteristics were determined. We also conducted a comparison of system lifetimes in certain reliability state subsets, for different system configurations depending on the number of back-up systems. Additionally, the relationship between the costs associated with setting up a system with a certain configuration and its mean lifetime in reliability state subsets is shown. We also propose procedures for determining the moment of exceeding the allowed limit of system safety, with the use of reliability functions determined for different configurations of the system. One of the major conclusions arising from the reliability analysis is that setting a navigation system with a certain number of back-up solutions is of key importance to improve the system’s reliability in the initial period of operation, while the number of back-up systems has a minor influence on the overall system lifetime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maritime Traffic Engineering and International Symposium Information on Ships Conference MTE-ISIS 2019)

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23 pages, 8655 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Integrated Coastal Sediment Management Plan: The Example of the Tuscany Region (Italy)

by Enzo Pranzini, Irene Cinelli, Luigi E. Cipriani and Giorgio Anfuso

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2020, 8(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8010033 - 10 Jan 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4232

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study carried out to support the Region of Tuscany Coastal Sediment Management Plan, with the main aim of establishing the sediment budget considering the time span from 1981–1985 to 2005 for the 56 coastal sectors into [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of a study carried out to support the Region of Tuscany Coastal Sediment Management Plan, with the main aim of establishing the sediment budget considering the time span from 1981–1985 to 2005 for the 56 coastal sectors into which the 215 km-long continental sandy coast of Tuscany (Italy) was divided. The sand stability (according to a stability index) and colour compatibility (according to the CIEL*a*b* colour space with an acceptability range conforming to national guidelines) were determined in order to assess the possibility of using the available sediment in accreting sectors to nourish the beach in eroding areas. Only in two cases—i.e., the updrift of a harbour (at Viareggio) and in a convergence zone (at Marina di Pietrasanta)—are the volumes of sufficient magnitude to support a large nourishment project; however, the mean sand size is too small to guarantee efficient nourishment, even with medium-term stability. In contrast, the colour difference, in most of the cases, was shown to be acceptable. Other small sediment stocks, suitable for colour but not for grain size, can be used for periodic ephemeral nourishment works to support seasonal tourist activities. The limited resources available make it necessary to adopt a plan for their optimal use from a regional perspective. This kind of study is of great interest for the proposal of sound management actions to counteract the increasing erosion processes linked to climate change phenomena and human effects on rivers and coastal systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beach Nourishment: A 21st Century Review)

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