A New Flow Rating Algorithm for Kissimmee River Ship Locks Based on Streamgauging and CFD Flow Data

Abstract

This paper is about development of a new algorithm to compute flow at lock structures using computation fluid dynamics (CFD). CFD was first applied to generate stream flow data at ship lock structures on the Kissimmee River. These CFD flow data were then used to develop the flow rating equations for future flow estimation. Based on the physical characteristics of these ship locks, the new flow equations were developed starting from a Parshall Flume flow equation. Since a ship lock is not a standard Parshall Flume, a discharge coefficient based on CFD data is applied to the equation to reflect the flow physical characteristics inherent to those locks. The flow was adjusted due to submergence, using the Villemonte Equation. The study shows that the flows computed using the proposed formula and the discharge coefficient of Cd = 0.79 compare very well to CFD data generated at S65, and S65 A ship locks. The new rating was also validated using the some available streamgauging data at S65A and other locks. The proposed approach will be applied for flow estimation at other ship locks within Kissimmee River Basin.