Application of a 3D Layer Integrated Numerical Model of Flow and Sediment Transport Processes to a Reservoir

Abstract

Details are given in the paper of the refinement of a three-dimensional layer integrated turbulence model and its application to a scaled physical model of a reservoir, named Hamidieh Reservoir, in Iran. The strong turbulent flows generated in this reservoir are due to the high volumes of flow diversion, with low head differences. In this paper, a refined numerical model is applied to a reservoir, associated with a dam, water intakes and sluice gates, with the aim being to investigate the flow patterns and sediment transport processes in the vicinity of such hydraulic structures. The calibration of the model is undertaken using measurements made from a scaled physical model. The numerical model is able to predict the conditions for a range of scenarios that are difficult to test in the physical model. Different scenarios are introduced to investigate the effects of various intake and sluice gate configurations, as well as their operation schemes on the flow and sediment transport processes into Hamidieh Reservoir. The results indicate that the flow velocity field in the vicinity of one of the intakes varies significantly. Moreover, the sluice gates do not appear to have any considerable effect on the suspended sediment concentrations moving through the intakes.

Keywords

• numerical model
• k-e turbulence model
• reservoirs
• three-dimensional flow
• hydraulic laboratory models
• sediment transport