677 / 2024-09-18 23:07:23

Sediment Transport Mechanisms in Coastal Zones: A CFD-Based Study of Wind and Wave Influence on Dune Formation

beach erosion,sediment dynamics,numerical modelling,ANSYS,icem cfd

Coastal erosion is a prevalent challenge that can no longer be entirely halted, but various measures are being implemented to manage and mitigate its progression along coastlines. One of the main factors in the deposition of sand along the shore and the restoration of dunes is the influence of wind-driven or wave-driven transport. Hence, this research primarily focuses on comparing the sediment transport dynamics in coastal environments, specifically at Pantai Batu Rakit, Kuala Nerus, examining whether wave-driven or wind-driven energy plays a more dominant role. To achieve this, the study utilizes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling to critically assess the primary drivers of sediment accumulation. Furthermore, simulations are performed using ANSYS Fluid Flow (Fluent) software, with geometries created using ICEM CFD and mesh are refined. The Shear-Stress Transport (SST) k–ε turbulence model and the Multiphase (Eulerian) model are employed to simulate the interaction between two mediums, air and water, with silica(sand) for comparative analysis. The results reveal that, in the context of beaches along Peninsular Malaysia, specifically Pantai Batu Rakit, the sediment accumulation leading to the formation of sand dunes is predominantly influenced by wave-driven energy rather than wind-driven forces.