Numerical simulation of flow over short crested weirs - case study: Quarter-circular crested weir

Abstract

In this study, the flow characteristics over a quarter-circular crested spillway (QCCS) were investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The simulations included an in-depth analysis of parameters such as flow velocity, pressure distribution, and streamline patterns. The RNG turbulence model was used to simulate the flow field and hydraulic characteristics. In particular, the simulations were performed at the design discharge. The numerical results were carefully compared with laboratory observations, showing that there is good agreement between the simulated results and the observed data. The results of the numerical simulation showed that the streamlines are completely in line with the curvature of the crest and that there is no separation zone (separation of the streamlines from the surface of the crest). furthermore, there is no negative pressure zone along the crest, which means that the risk of cavitation is eliminated. The highest value of velocity and the lowest pressure of flow occur at the outlet end of the crest.