Flow Expansion and Deflection Downstream of a Symmetric Multi-gate Sluice Structure

Abstract

A sluice structure with multiple gates is often followed by an enlarging channel downstream. Experiments are conducted for different enlargement ratios in cross-section and Froude numbers at the gates. A large-scale PIV system is adopted to capture the surface flow field for examination of the flow features. The study shows that, despite the centrally placed sluice structure with symmetric outflow, a hydraulic jump occurs and the main flow downstream exhibits, in terms of expansion and deflection, a high degree of asymmetry and formation of large circulation zones. The degree of deflection increases significantly along the longitudinal direction for all the enlargement ratios except the smallest. The toe of the hydraulic jump is controlled at the upper edge of the sloping surface downstream of the gates. In light of outflow width, Froude number and enlargement ratio, the flow is classified into three regions. Immediately downstream, the effect of outflow width gradually decreases with increasing Froude number. Further downstream, the degree of deflection augments with increasing enlargement ratio, with circulation zones. At a given cross-section, the degree of expansion is positively related to the enlargement ratio. The study is expected to provide guidance for examination of similar issues of flow pattern and erosion protection design.