Author(s): D.L. Young; Q.H. Lin; K. Murugesan

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Two-dimensional simulation; thermally stratified reservoir; sediment-laden inflow; Te-Chi reservoir

Abstract: A two-dimensional laterally averaged reservoir model is developed to study the density currents generated in a thermally stratified reservoir due to inflow with sediment concentration. The two-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are used as the governing equations with the assumptions of hydrostatic pressure distribution and the Boussinesq approximation. The governing equations are solved using the Galerkin's weighted residual finite element method, with an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian scheme to accommodate the free surface movement. The model developed is validated with the experimental results obtained for gravitational underflows of the Generalized Reservoir Hydrodynamics (GRH) flume at the US Army Corps of Engineers. Then the model is applied to simulate the field scale hydrodynamic and temperature structures for 1 -year annual cycle of the Te-Chi reservoir located at central Taiwan. Numerical results depicting the different regimes of density currents such as the turbidity current, underflow and interflow are predicted for sediment-laden inflow during the days of heavy rainfall due to storm. The numerical predictions of water levels and temperature profiles compare favorably well with the measured field data.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00221680509500131

Year: 2005