Author(s): Kim-Cedric Jorgens; Mario Oertel
Linked Author(s): Mario Oertel
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Piano key weirs (PKWs) provide higher discharge efficiency than linear weirs. They offer advantages for climate adaptation, particularly in open channels and dams for flood protection and flow control applications. Understanding the flow and velocity fields near PKWs is essential for effective hydraulic planning. This study aimed to investigate the velocity fields in the inlet and outlet keys of a PKW under various discharge conditions using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The PIV exhibited smooth approaching flow conditions for lower discharges. Higher discharges led to turbulent flow characteristics with air entrainment along the crest. Velocities were higher in the outlet key compared with the inlet key (ranging from 0.1 ms−1 to 1.2 ms−1), up to 2.0 ms−1 at the crest.
Year: 2026