Numerical Analysis of Stormwater Flow Conditions and Separation Zone at Open-Channel Junctions
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 1
Abstract
Open-channel junctions are critical design elements for many major and minor drainage infrastructures. Typical examples of these structural elements are encountered in stormwater drainage systems, urban water networks, irrigation, and natural or artificial waterways. The analysis of flow behavior and condition of those structures are of considerable use to engineers involved in the design and planning processes. However, these analyses are very challenging due to the interaction among the incoming junctional and main channel flow coupled with the functional parameters involved, such as the angle of confluence, channel width, cross-section, bed slope, flow direction, discharge, and wall roughness. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to illustrate the application of a finite volume/numerical analysis method to model stormwater flow conditions and separation zone at 45 and 90° of open-channel junctions. In general, the simulation results and analysis suggested that for a 90° junction the separation zone area and discharge ratio is indirectly proportional due to recirculating flow, low pressure, and minimum velocities near the T-junction and Y-junction’s areas. For a 45° junction, flow separation is the function of divergence angles and flow velocity. Statistical analyses were also applied using the chi-square test to verify the accuracy of the numerical model result used to investigate the dimensions of the separation zone.
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Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 1 • January 2017
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© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 8, 2015
Accepted: Jul 15, 2016
Published online: Sep 12, 2016
Published in print: Jan 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Feb 12, 2017
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