Effect of changing the height of final step of the stepped chute on the flow profile in stilling basin using the VOF method

Abstract

In this study, the effect of the geometry modification in the physical model (step height) on flow factors in the stilling basin is investigated numerically. The Navier–Stokes equations were used to solve the flow field; the Reynolds stress turbulence model was used to model Reynolds stresses, and the volume of fluid method was used to determine the surface flow profile. Momentum and turbulence equations have been solved by the finite volume method. The results indicate that when the height of the steps in the stilling basin increases, the flow depth increases, and eventually the flow velocity decreases. When the height of the steps decreases, the flow velocity increases, and the flow depth decreases. The results of the numerical model are in good enough agreement with experimental results.