Mangroves play a vital role in coastal ecosystems by dissipating wave energy, protecting against erosion and supporting biodiversity. Despite their importance, quantification of their attenuation capabilities remains challenging. This study explores the potential of a two-dimensional (2DV) OpenFOAM model to simulate wave attenuation through mangrove forests using a layered approach to capture the vertical variability in mangrove frontal area.

The model is first validated against flume measurements under a range of different hydrodynamic conditions to assess its capability in a controlled, well-measured environment. The goal is that by applying the Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations and a layered approach, a more realistic bulk drag coefficient can be calibrated for different hydrodynamic conditions. One of the objectives is to explore whether this approach can yield a stronger correlation between the bulk drag coefficient (Cd) and the Keulegan-Carpenter (KC) number.

Then, the model is applied to a real-world case study for the Mandai mangrove forest on the north-west coast of Singapore. his application demonstrates the model’s ability to simulate complex coastal environments, including variable bathymetry, forest extent, and wave conditions. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to evaluate the effect of different parameters on the modelled wave attenuation

Results confirm the model's capability to accurately represent the vertical variations in vegetation structure and their influence on wave attenuation. It showed great agreement with the measured wave attenuation of the flume after calibration. Despite its expected improvement on the Cd-KC relation, it did not succeed in this, but it does reveal the impact of depth-variable drag forces and their effect on the velocity profile and wave attenuation. Furthermore, the case study showed its applicability to real-world coasts. Despite numerical dissipation standing in the way of any quantitative analysis, the runs in combination with the sensitivity analysis provided valuable insights into the model's behaviour and wave attenuation predictions.