Examining the Change in Pressure Parameters in the Chute Spillway with a Numerical Model

Abstract

Knowing hydraulic parameters is very important in the design of spillways, which are the safety structures of dams. While obtaining these parameters, traditionally theoretical and empirical approaches are used and scale model experiments are performed. Today, with the increase in computer processing capacity, numerical modeling techniques are used as an alternative to long and costly experimental studies. In this study, the pressure parameter changing along the longitudinal section in the chute spillway was examined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In the 3D CFD model of the spillway, the VOF method and the standard k-e turbulence model, which can solve two-phase flows, were used for the design discharge. The obtained pressure parameter results were examined and interpreted along the spillway section. According to the pressure results obtained as a result of numerical analysis, points along the spillway where cavitation may occur have been determined.