Numerical simulation of hydraulic performance with free overfall flow

Abstract

Recently, free overfall flows have attracted attention of many researchers in the world. It is because the free overfall can be used as a tool in measuring the discharges and flows in any open channel systems or water collection systems for various flow regime at different shape of channels. In this study, the hydraulic performances of free overfall flow were explored using numerical simulation for three shapes of open channels including uniform rectangular, rectangular circumscribed, and rectangular inscribed steps. The hydraulic performances discussed in this study are including the flow regime, the maximum pressure, drop length and the energy dissipation rate. Numerical simulations were performed under different discharges Q (between 0.0005 m3/s and 0.0015 m3/s) and excise repair densities (y/H) for 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. Visual observations identified various flow regimes with largely identical flow patterns in different discharges and configurations. Comparisons of properties indicated that there is a better depressurization and energy dissipation performances at the open channel with the shape of rectangular inscribed steps compare to the uniform rectangular in the small charge. Comparative study also revealed that the large excise repair densities of rectangular circumscribed steps might be optimal in terms of energy dissipation performances.