Prediction of Local Destratification of Lakes

A numerical simulation of the flow field of the jet induced by an axial-flow propeller pump is performed by solving the governing equations of the flow field. The two-dimensional Los Alamos SOLA prediction technique has been expanded to include diffusion as well as buoyancy forces in an axisymmetric stratified flow field. Comparison with hydraulic models shows that this numerical simulation of the local destratification phenomenon is useful for the prediction of jet penetration depth or of the dilution factor (released water quality). The main dynamic effects are modeled adequately to show the same trends as the available physical data. The prediction procedure represents a low-cost basic tool to show the influence of design parameters on the flow field. An empirical expresssion for prediction of the penetration depth is suggested on the basis of experimental and computational results.