Experimental dataset and numerical simulation of floating bodies transport in open-channel flow

Abstract

Abstract Numerical models trying to faithfully represent the movement of floating bodies transport in open-channel flow require experimental data for validation. In order to provide an adequate dataset, flume experiments were carried out to analyse the transport of singular and grouped rigid bodies floating on the water surface. Both cylindrical and spherical samples were employed: they were released in a rectangular channel under steady conditions in one-dimensional (plain channel) and two-dimensional (2D) configurations using one rectangular side obstacle, one smooth side obstacle or two rectangular alternate obstacles. The outcomes of the experiments are the planar displacement and the rotation of the samples, which are related to the flow field in the different configurations. The detailed experimental analysis of the floating body motion provides information for the calibration of numerical models simulating floating bodies transport. This dataset is thus employed for the validation of the Eulerian–Lagrangian model ORSA2D_WT, highlighting its strengths and improvable aspects. Similar applications could be carried out with any 2D model which performs the simulation of discrete elements moving on the water surface.