Three-dimensional Numerical Simulation of Vertical Vortex at Hydraulic Intake

Abstract

To investigate an effective numerical model for simulating vertical vortex, turbulent models with VOF method are compared. The effects of the turbulent kinetic energy, the turbulent dissipation rate and the turbulent viscosity on formation and development of vertical vortex are analyzed. It shows that RNG k-ɛ model is more suitable than standard k-ɛ model to the rapidly strained and great curving streamline flows. The calculated spiral flow agrees with the laboratory tests. It may be helpful to the study on generating mechanism of vertical vertex.