Finite Element and Finite Volume Method for Simulation of Free Surface Flows: Application to Spillways

Abstract

In this study, we are interested in comparing resultsof numerical simulations of flows in spillways obtained with two discretization methods, which are the finite element method (FEM) and the finite volume method (FVM). For this purpose, two numerical models based on these methods are used. The Navier-Stokes equations weresolved for an incompressible fluid with k-εturbulent model.The obtainedresultshave shown that the two methods led to same prediction of the free surface profiles. However, the computed velocity profiles are very similar in the case of spillways with low slopes, while noticeable differences appear and amplify when the slopes are inceased. The vertical velocity profiles in different sections show that the difference between theobtained results using the two numerical models is essentially near the wall.