Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1977

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Tennant, Jeffrey S.

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to determine the relationship between hydrodynamic boundary layer parameters and biofouling growth rates. A summary of previous investigations of hydrodynamic effects on biofouling is presented. Wall shear stress is shown to be an important parameter and is described in detail. A submersible water tunnel was designed to allow investigation of a flat plate subject to a uniform flow of seawater. Parallel flow past a flat plate with a laminar boundary layer was used to ensure that experimental conditions existed in which a known wall shear stress distribution was establised. Tests were conducted off Virginia Key in Miami, Florida. The results of the experiments clearly indicate the existance of a threshold value of shear stress which inhibits the attachment of the macrofouler under study, the acorn barnacle (Balanus spp.). Reported growth rates from other investigations are presented to substantiate results. Recommendations are made for additional hydrodynamic investigations in dealing with biofouling.

Extent

97 p.

Comments

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 15-04, page: 0207.|Thesis (M.S.E.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1977.|Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 15-04, page: 0207.

Identifier

FADT13849

Format

pdf

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