Characterization of geometry and normal drag coefficients of copper nets

Application of copper alloy netting in marine aquaculture has potential benefits associated with reduced biofouling, improved cage volume stability, structural strength and protection from predators. In this paper, experimental studies of drag forces on copper alloy net panels are reported. Based on these studies, empirical values for normal drag coefficients are proposed for various types of copper netting. These findings are compared to the previously published data on standard nylon nets. It is shown that copper nets exhibit significantly lower resistance to currents, which corresponds to lower values of drag coefficient. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.