Author(s): Iversom Dos Santos Castro; Lucas Ricardo Valentim; Danusa Haick Tavares; Marcos Libert Westphalen; Raquel Sayuri Omoto Takeda

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Hydraulic model; Hydrodynamic forces; Radial gate; Structural model; Hydraulic Jumps

Abstract: Hydraulic jumps are commonly employed for dissipating energy in low head power plants. However, they can also induce hydrodynamic loads on downstream structural elements, including the lower horizontal beam of spillway gates. In this study, the evaluation of these loads was carried out through a combination of hydraulic physical modeling and structural numerical finite element analysis. The physical model, constructed at a geometric scale of 1:25 with Froude similitude, was tested in an experimental channel. A segment steel gate, equipped with load cells for measuring forces on the beam, was employed in the physical model. The forces recorded in the physical model were then applied in a numerical model developed using SolidWorks Simulation software. The numerical model incorporated a dynamic linear elastic analysis to determine the stresses induced by the hydraulic jump on the lower horizontal beam. Each gate opening was accurately replicated in the numerical model, taking into account the static loads from the upstream reservoir and the self-weight of the gate as the initial stress conditions. Subsequently, the model was subjected to pressure loads obtained from the measurements recorded by the load cells. The findings revealed that the hydraulic jump generated hydrodynamic loads on the structural elements of the spillway gate, particularly on the lower horizontal beam, potentially lead to increased stresses. By comprehensively evaluating these loads through physical and numerical models, a deeper understanding of the impact of hydraulic jumps on the structural integrity of spillway gates was obtained. This enhanced understanding has the potential to offer valuable perspectives to improve the design and maintenance of such structures.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p0206-cd

Year: 2023