Numerical modeling and validation of dike-induced water flow dynamics using OpenFOAM

Abstract

ABSTRACT The basic purpose of the present research is to numerically elucidate the flow around a single dike in four different geometric configurations (CN: no cylinders, C5: 5 cylinders, C10: 10 cylinders, C15: 15 cylinders), under conditions of a constant flow rate and subcritical flow. This involved substituting the impermeable dike with varying numbers of piles to validate the observed experimental flow patterns, particularly the conditions leading to reverse flow formation. OpenFOAM, an open-source algorithm, was utilized for the simulation, incorporating the volume of fluid (VOF) method. Accurately depicting the reverse flow formation with minimal numerical diffusion, a strategy involving multizone meshing and the application of mesh refinement zones was utilized. These refinements were particularly focused on the section between 1.8 m and 2.2 m within the numerical domain. The water surface profile in front section of the dike and the averaged velocity at five different locations, which were then compared with the numerical results. The numerically predicted streamwise velocity showed a percentage error ranging between 0.5% and 4.5%. The numerical results from this study are pivotal in dike design, aiming to mitigate accelerated wear during flood events and to protect both the dike head and the adjacent bank from high energy flow failures.