This work involves the investigation of the adhesive characteristic of two principal fouling organisms, namely, Enteromorpha intestinalis and Ectocarpus spp. that adhere to underwater ocean vessels and structures, the resulting formation on the surfaces and the consequent changes in hydrodynamic forces. The study therefore will take shape in three phases. The first is to establish the time varying adhesion of the organisms as a function of surface and environmental conditions, including factors that influence adhesion. Secondly, to develop a model of the fouled surface as a function of time, surface and environmental conditions. And finally, the work includes the use of the modeled surface to analytically formulate a method to better predict changes in hydrodynamic forces caused by fouling.
