Calibration of the <i>k</i>-<i>ω SST</i> Turbulence Model for Free Surface Flows on Mountain Slopes Using an Experiment

Abstract

We calibrate the k-ωSST turbulence model for free surface flows in the channel or on the slope using machine learning techniques. To calibrate the turbulence model, an experiment is carried out in an inclined rectangular research chute. In the experiment, the pressure values in the flow are measured at different distances from the bottom; after transforming data, the flow velocity profile is obtained. The k-ωSST turbulence model is calibrated based on experimental data using the Nelder-Mead optimization algorithm. The calibrated turbulence model is then used to calculate the glacial lake Maliy Azau outburst flood on the Elbrus (Central Caucasus).

Keywords

• <i>k</i>-<i>ω SST</i> turbulence model
• Nelder-Mead optimization
• free surface flow
• OpenFOAM
• interFoam
• mudflow