Author(s): Andrea Del Gaudio; Francesco De Paola; George Constantinescu
Linked Author(s): George Constantinescu
Keywords: Dam break turbulence unsteady flow
Abstract: Tsunamis, landslides, and the breaking of artificial embankments or dams can be modeled as dam-break waves, which involve the sudden release of water stored behind a barrier. These flows are highly unsteady and often feature shock wavefronts. Eveluating front propagation and bed shear stresses is crucial for risk mitigation. We conducted a 3D-Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of a dam-break wave using Volume of Fluid approach. The simulation is performed in a spanwise periodic rectangular channel. We analyzed the free surface configuration, and the velocity profile and turbulence intensity in three section of the wave. Our results show that turbulence increases as the flow moves downstream from the lock gate, and the velocity profile aligns with the classic channel slope. Keywords: dam-break; unsteady flow; turbulence
Year: 2025