The following three figures (Figures 3.31, 3.32 & 3.33) illustrate
how the velocity field changes with the barrier
angle.
A change in velocity is indicated by a change in color as
depicted by the color scale on the right side of the graph.
It can be concluded from figures 3.31 – 3.33 that for increasing
boom angles, the velocity in front of the barrier
increases. Furthermore, it is interesting to see how far
the barrier affects the flow field of the oceanic current.
At a boom angle of 45° it can be seen that at the outer
tip of the V-shape, the flow rushes in the area behind the
barrier.
3.4.1.2.2 Catching efficiency
The simulation is performed for geometric setup 1: Closed
V Experiment (6 m) with long-distance particle release.
These give information on the particles that are highly
unlikely to be caught due to their lack of buoyancy. Particles
lacking buoyancy cannot withstand the drag forces
of the ocean water rushing downwards in front of the barrier.
First, the simulation is run for varying particle sizes
and densities. The following section shows the influence
of boom angle on catching probability. The results of this
study show the catching efficiency for an idealized case.
Wind and waves, for example, are not taken into account.
Please note that from the simulations it can be seen
which particles are most unlikely to be caught. The simulations
cannot give quantitative values for the particles
that are caught, because wind and waves are not taken
into account.