Opening Configuration Design Effects on Pooled Stepped Chutes
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 9
Abstract
Pooled stepped chutes with openings as a design requirement are associated with high flow transmission efficiency and smaller downstream dissipation structures; however, these design openings may negatively affect flow characteristics. In this study, 3D numerical simulations were conducted on large pooled stepped chutes equipped with openings and different pool heights, which benefited from the volume of fluid (VOF) method, to track free-surface configuration, and the use of the turbulence model. Results indicated that, for a pooled stepped chute with , increasing pool heights increased flow resistance, and for a chute with a steeper slope, , flow resistance remained quasi-constant. Four configurations for openings were further tested: centered, offset, inline, and staggered configurations. Results demonstrated that the staggered configuration reduces residual head at the end of the chute. Additionally, the data revealed that, as the dimensions of the openings increases, flow resistance decreases. The findings of this research could be used as a general guideline for practical cases where openings should be embedded in pooled stepped chutes.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the primary author of this paper upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51961125204). The authors thank Prof. Hubert Chanson for sharing data on stepped chutes. The authors thank reviewers for their valuable comments. The authors also thank Editor-in-Chief, Professor Fabian A. Bombardelli, and the Associate Editor for their valuable comments. The first author wishes to thank Dr. Saeed Dahdahjani and Mr. Thomas Kiesnowski for their valuable assistance during the preparation of this work.
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 5, 2020
Accepted: Feb 25, 2021
Published online: Jul 7, 2021
Published in print: Sep 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Dec 7, 2021
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