VOF Model for Simulation of a Free Overfall in Trapezoidal Channels

Abstract

In the past, solutions to open channel flow problems involving free surfaces were generally found on the basis of experimental data or through the development of theoretical expressions using simplified assumptions. The volume of fluid (VOF) turbulence model is applied to obtain characteristics of three-dimensional open channel flows involving free surfaces. In particular, the VOF model is used to determine the pressure head distributions, velocity distributions, and water surface profiles for the free overfall in a trapezoidal open channel. The predictions of the proposed model are validated using existing experimental data.