Author(s): Fei Liu; Leilei Gu; Chunjing Liu

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Curved spillway; Hydraulic characteristics; Structural optimization; Scale modeling; Computational dynamics

Abstract: This study focuses on the hydraulic behavior of curved spillways through scale model experiments and three-dimensional numerical simulations. Systematic investigations were conducted on key hydraulic parameters under typical operational conditions, including discharge capacity, flow patterns, velocity distribution, floor pressure, water surface profiles, jet trajectory morphology (throw distance and height), and flow characteristics at the energy dissipator outlet. Scale model experiments revealed: Enhanced discharge capacity: Actual flow rates exceeded design specifications when upstream reservoir levels reached planned elevations. Spatial flow variation: Uniform flow distribution was maintained in the gate chamber and straight chute sections, while flow heterogeneity developed in curved chute segments and trajectory zones. Velocity dynamics: maximum surface velocities occurred at the midspan of straight chute sections, with velocity magnitudes showing positive correlation to discharge rates. Pressure integrity: No cavitation risks were detected along the spillway surface. Transverse water surface distortion: Elevated levels at the concave bank (right side) in curved sections transitioned to convex bank (left side) dominance downstream due to wall-induced flow refraction. Jet morphology evolution: Discharge-dependent "waterfall-like" trajectories exhibited increased throw distances (12-25% growth per 10% discharge increment), heightened jet elevations, and intensified mist generation at trajectory peripheries. Numerical optimization demonstrated that reducing bend angles (15-25% curvature decrease) and flattening bed slopes (8-12% gradient reduction) improved flow uniformity by 18-32% and eliminated cross-flow interactions. Comparative analysis confirmed the hydraulic superiority of straight spillways with mild slopes (1:8-1:10) over curved configurations with steep slopes (1:3-1:5), particularly in energy dissipation efficiency (23-41% improvement) and structural stability.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41WC-P1810-cd

Year: 2025