Author(s): Anastasios I. Stamou; Demetrios G. Chapsas; George C. Christodoulou

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD); expansion flow; mathematical model; modified Rouse curve; supercritical flow; Volume of Fluid (VOF) method

Abstract: A 3-D CFD model based on the Volume of Fluid method to calculate the free surface was used to study supercritical flow in gradual open channel expansions. The model was first applied to a modified Rouse expansion, for which extensive experimental data are available. A detailed comparison between the numerical and the experimental results concerning surface profiles, velocities, free surface uniformity, and shock front location showed satisfactory agreement, especially for lower supercritical Froude numbers. The model was subsequently applied to optimize and finalize the design of a compound expansion structure with variable bottom elevation, piers, and inner walls. CFD calculations showed that flow conditions in this structure are satisfactory, provided that bottom ramps are used to ensure a uniform variation of the bottom elevation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3826/jhr.2008.3162

Year: 2008