Author(s): Fei Liu; Leilei Gu; Chunjing Liu
Linked Author(s): Chunjing Liu
Keywords: Bend overflow channel Flow characteristics Structural optimization Model test Numerical simulation
Abstract: This study focuses on curved spillways and employs scale model experiments to thoroughly investigate hydraulic parameters under typical conditions. These parameters include discharge capacity, flow patterns, flow velocity, chute bottom pressure, water surface profiles within the chute, the morphology of the water jet at the flip bucket's end, jet distance, and jet height. Building on this, three-dimensional numerical simulation techniques were used to optimize the bend angle and bottom slope of the curved spillway through multiple schemes. The research results indicate that: When the upstream reservoir water level reaches the design level, the actual discharge capacity of the chute exceeds the designed capacity. Flow patterns are uniformly distributed from the gate chamber to the straight section of the chute, whereas uneven distribution occurs from the chute bend to the flip bucket's end. Flow velocity correlates with the main stream; at any cross-section, velocities at the main flow position are greater than at non-main flow positions. The maximum flow velocity occurs at the center of the chute's straight section and increases with higher discharge rates. No negative pressure is observed along the weir surface. In the bend section, the water surface profile exhibits uneven distribution, with the water level on the right (concave bank) higher than on the left (convex bank). Due to refraction effects from the downstream left wall, the water level on the left side of the chute becomes higher than that on the right. At the flip bucket's end, the water flow primarily displays a tongue-shaped "waterfall" form. As the discharge increases, the jet distance and height of the tongue-shaped flow increase, and atomization at the outer edge of the flip bucket becomes more pronounced. Reducing the bend angle of the spillway curve and decreasing the chute bottom slope result in a more uniform flow distribution within the chute, eliminating cross-flow phenomena, and producing a more consistent tongue-shaped form at the flip bucket's end. Comparative analysis reveals that the design scheme of a straight gentle-slope spillway is superior to that of a curved steep-slope spillway.
Year: 2025