Three-dimensional numerical modeling of flow field in rectangular shallow reservoirs

Flow field in shallow waters, which is characterized by its complex mixing process and inherent dynamic nature, is interesting mainly due to its practical importance (e. g. in free flushing operation and sedimentation in large reservoirs). 3D numerical models make it possible to track two-dimensional large turbulence coherent structures, which are the dominant phenomenon in shallow reservoirs flow field. In the present study a fully three-dimensional numerical model SSIIM that employs the Finite Volume Approach (FVM) was utilized to reproduce the 3D flow field. Various shallow reservoir geometries with fixed and deformed equilibrium bed were considered. The measurements by Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry techniques (LSPIV) and Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Profiler (UVP) over the flow depth were used for model validation. Outcomes revealed reasonable agreement between the simulated and measured flow velocity field even when an asymmetric flow pattern exists in the reservoir

Flow field investigation in a rectangular shallow reservoir using UVP, LSPIV and numerical modelling

Low velocity and shallow-depth flow fields often are a challenge to most velocity measuring instruments. In the framework of a research project on reservoir sedimentation, the influence of the reservoir geometry on sediment transport and deposition was studied. An inexpensive and accurate technique for Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) was developed to measure the surface velocity field in 2D. An Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Profiler (UVP) and LSPIV techniques were used for verification and validation of the numerical simulations. The velocities measured by means of UVP allowed an instantaneous measurement of the 1D velocity profile over the whole flow depth. The turbulence large-scale structures and jet expansion in the basin have been determined based on UVP, LSPIV and numerical simulations. Vertical velocity distributions were defined to study the vertical velocity effect. UVP measurements confirm 2D flow map in shallow reservoir. LSPIV has potential to measure low velocities. The comparison between LSPIV, UVP and numerical simulation gives good agreements