Abstract
Turbidity currents may be a relevant lever to manage the accumulation of fine sediments in reservoirs. In this paper, we propose to show how two different numerical codes simulate the propagation of turbidity currents. Telemac 3D and Ansys CFX 17.1 solver were chosen as they are commonly used by many research and engineering teams. The simulations are performed on two configurations. The first case aims at modeling the plunging of a turbidity current. The second model is validated based on an experimental work performed at EPFL. The latter consisted on testing turbidity current venting as a solution to manage reservoir sedimentation. A long and narrow flume was used to simulate the reservoir where a turbidity current was triggered. The advantages and limits of both approaches are discussed in order to supply guidelines for the modeling of turbidity currents in real reservoirs.
Highlights
Why modeling turbidity currents in reservoirs ?Sedimentation upstream of dams is a worldwide issue [1]. In order to define strategies for sediment management in reservoirs, the knowledge of turbidity currents is of utmost importance
Turbidity currents may be a relevant lever to manage the accumulation of fine sediments in reservoirs
In this paper we propose to show how two different numerical codes could simulate the propagation of turbidity currents
Summary
Sedimentation upstream of dams is a worldwide issue [1]. In order to define strategies for sediment management in reservoirs, the knowledge of turbidity currents is of utmost importance. Turbidity currents occur in reservoirs where the density of the incoming flow is significantly different from that of the still water of the lake. This difference of density is mainly due to the concentration of suspended sediments, but can be affected by water temperatures. The second model is validated based on an experimental work performed at EPFL The latter consisted on testing turbidity current venting as a solution to manage reservoir sedimentation. Ansys CFX 17.1 as well as the Telemac 3D models reproduced the experimental work Based on these two examples, the advantages and limits of both approaches are discussed in order to supply guidelines for the modeling of turbidity currents in real reservoirs
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