Author(s): A. Tohidi; Farzam Safarzadeh Maleki

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Erosion; Energy Dissipation; Spillway Chute; OpenFOAM; Numerical Modeling

Abstract: Erosion at the dam toe due to potential to kinetic energy conversion of the outlet release is a complex yet fascinating engineering challenge. The energy dissipation due to flow separation at sharp cornered geometries effects the flow stream and causes the lower velocity at the dam’s toe. To date, many of the conventional dam engineering techniques consider the dam toe as the examination point. In this research, by the use of OpenFOAM numerical model, the water flow in the spillway chute is modeled. The velocity profile of the chute flow in three different cross-sections is considered for the same outlet boundary conditions. The effect of geometry on kinetic energy (velocity) reduction has been studied in order to find a trend for this type of energy cascade. Simulation results show that lateral eddies form due to generation of translatory waves, and aeration process in trapezoidal and curved edge rectangular cross sections. While these type of cross sections might be of use from the energy dissipation perspective, the higher velocities may deliver higher stagnation or uplift pressures in cases of vertical offset on the spillway’s slab (bed).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15142/T3460628160853

Year: 2016