Author(s): H. Chanson
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Dam break wave; Unsteady two-phase flows; Flash flood; Air entrainment
Abstract: Although field observations of sudden spillway releases highlighted strong aeration of dam break wave flows, no study investigated these two-phase flow characteristics. New original experiments were conducted down a 24 m long stepped waterways. Dam break wave propagation showed an equivalent flow resistance similar to steady flow conditions (f ～ 0.05). Detailed unsteady air-water flow measurements demonstrated very strong aeration of the wave leading edge: C_mean ～ 0.8 down to 0.4 for ▲ while the air-water flow structure was very coarse. Void fraction distributions compared well with analytical models.
Year: 2003