Author(s): Nils Solheim; Leif Lia
Linked Author(s): Nils Solheim, Leif Lia
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Physical scaled models remain an essential tool in design and verification of hydropower structures. Particularly for structures such as spillways and flood bypass tunnels with complex hydraulics. Advances in fabrication technologies now provide several potential alternatives to traditional model construction methods. Techniques such as 3D printing, CNC machining of complex cross-sections, and thermoforming or mechanical shaping of acrylic materials may allow more realistic representations of tunnel geometry. However, these methods differ in terms of production time, cost, achievable precision, and practical suitability for hydraulic laboratory experiments.
Year: 2026