Application of CFD to predict the sluice gate jammed

Abstract

The problem of sluice gate jamming in moving water occurs frequently in engineering practice. In this study, the reason for gate jamming is investigated by using computational fluid dynamics and verified by model tests with variable friction coefficients. The results show that the gate geometry is reasonable and the downpull force of the sluice gate can be fully utilized. Due to being submerged in water for many years, high friction coefficient is the main reason for the non-closure of a sluice gate. The permissible friction coefficient is related to the submerged weight, available areas of panel and beam, and water level difference. Decreasing the guide vane opening and lowering the water level difference to decrease the average pressure head are feasible ways to promote the gate closure in an emergency. Adding a convex bottom edge and dividing the whole gate into two sections to increase the permissible friction coefficient are effective ways to achieve complete closure in the modification stage.