Impact pressure distribution of inverted arch plunge pool for large discharge

Abstract

Abstract In view of high water head and large discharge in the release structures of hydraulic projects, the inverted arch plunge pool has been put forward due to higher overload capability and stability. Impact pressure on the bottom is a serious concern in design safety precautions, however, the quantitative impact pressure distribution in the inverted arch plunge pool is not yet elucidated. In this study, a novel approach is presented to estimate the impact pressure of an inverted arch plunge pool. Impact pressure characteristics are experimentally investigated under different hydraulic conditions. The results detailed the effect of relative discharge coefficient and the deflection angle relative to the vertical central axis of the plunge pool bottom. The predicting formulas of impact pressure distribution are derived within small relative errors, and the proposed approaches have good applicability in three case studies. The achievements of this investigation are used to define issuance parameters relevant for engineering practice.