Potential flow solution for a free surface flow past a sudden slope change

Abstract

An analytical model was developed to calculate the pressure distribution in a free surface flow past a sudden change in channel slope. A conformal transformation technique was used to solve the problem analytically in a way that there is no need for trial and error to find the location of the free surface. Two methods were employed for this simulation: flow at a corner and free streamline theory. It was shown that free streamline theory is more accurate. Experiments were conducted to verify the ability of the analytical model to calculate the pressure distribution in a channel with a sudden change in slope. Slope changes of 6.22°, 10°, and 15° were tested with various flow discharges. The analytical model predictions of pressure distribution along the channel bed and with depth agreed well with the experimental measurements. Pressures up to 25 times the hydrostatic pressure were experimentally measured near the point of sudden change in slope. These pressures were reproduced by the model. The analytical model predictions of the water surface profile over a ramp in a prototype spillway were compared with those of a numerical model. The comparison showed a good agreement.Key words: pressure distribution, free surface flow, analytical model, chute spillway, aerator ramp, potential flow.