Numerical investigation of flow pattern around a T-shaped spur dike in the vicinity of attractive and repelling protective structures

Abstract

This piece of research simulated the flow pattern around a T-shaped spur dike in the vicinity of attractive and repelling protective structures in a 90° bend using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model. This CFD analysis has utilized RNG turbulence model to simulate turbulent flow field, and free surface variations were modeled through finite volume of fluid. A comparison between mean velocities in the main spur dike field was indicative of an acceptable precision of CFD model in simulating flow pattern along river bends in the presence of a spur dike. This numerical model mainly aimed at a scrutinizing study of the process of flow pattern around the T-shaped spur dike, the maximum velocity variations, the secondary flow strength, and the maximum stresses along the bend and the main spur dike field. Results demonstrated an increase in the maximum shear stress in attractive and repelling modes of the protective structure by 23.5 and 17.6%, respectively, in comparison with the vertical mode.