Sébastien Erpicum

Dam break flow computation based on an efficient flux vector splitting

Dam break flow computation is a task of prime interest in the scope of risk analysis processes related to dams and reservoirs. In this paper, a 2D finite volume multiblock flow solver, able to deal with natural topography variation, is presented in detail. The model is based on an efficient Flux Vector Splitting method developed by the authors. A number of validation examples are comprehensively described.

Depth-integrated flow modelling taking into account bottom curvature

Successfully modelling flows over a spillway and on strongly vertically curved bottoms is a challenge for any depth-integrated model. This type of computation requires the use of axes properly inclined along the mean flow direction in the vertical plane and a modelling of curvature effects. The proposed generalized model performs such computations by means of suitable curvilinear coordinates in the vertical plane, leading to a fully integrated approach. This means that the flows in the upstream reservoir, on the spillway, in the stilling basin and in the downstream river reach are all handled in a single simulation. The velocity profile is generalized in comparison with the uniform one usually assumed in the classical shallow water equations. The pressure distribution is modified as a function of the bottom curvature and is thus not purely hydrostatic. Representative test cases, as well as the application of the extended model to the design of a large hydraulic structure in Belgium, lead to satisfactory validation results

Experimental observation of flow characteristics over a Piano Key Weir

The Piano Key Weir is a type of labyrinth weir using overhangs to reduce the footprint of the foundation. These are directly placed on a dam crest. Together with its high discharge capacity for low heads, this geometry makes these weirs interesting in dam rehabilitation. However, the Piano Key Weir is a new weir type, first designed in 2001 and built from 2006 by Electricité de France. Even though experimental studies confirmed its appealing discharge capacities, the flow upstream, over and downstream of this complex structure is still not well known. This research presents experimental test results performed on a 1:10 scale model. The experiments aim at determining the flow features along the weir depending on the upstream head. The flow conditions are characterized in terms of specific discharge, velocity, pressure, water level and streamlines along the weir.

Detailed inundation modelling using high resolution DEMs

Abstract With the availability of high resolution DEMs, relevant and detailed inundation maps may now be routinely computed provided that suitable flow models are available. The full 2D flow model presented in this paper has been used to compute such maps on 800 km of the main rivers of the Walloon Region in Belgium. The use of grid spacing of 1 m, similar to the DEM resolution, enables the accurate prediction of the pattern of flood depth. This is confirmed by several application examples, which also demonstrate the ability of the model to reproduce depth measurements for a wide range of flood discharges without the need for recalibration of the roughness coefficient. The numerical model has been systematically validated by comparison with observations during recent real flood events. It shows a very good agreement with field data, in particular the free surface elevations and inundation extension.

Classification of flow patterns in rectangular shallow reservoirs

This work focuses on the experimental classification of flow patterns in rectangular shallow reservoirs, including symmetric flows without any reattachment point to asymmetric flows with one reattachment point, two reattachment points, or two reattachment points and one detachment point. The median position and the natural variability of the reattachment lengths of asymmetric flows were measured for 40 geometric and hydraulic conditions. The effects of dimensionless flow depth, Froude number, lateral expansion ratio and dimensionless length on the median reattachment lengths were analysed. A number of regression equations were proposed. For “high” dimensionless flow depths and a Froude number of 0.20, a shape parameter was proposed for predicting the transition between symmetric and asymmetric flows. The results of this study are useful knowledge for improving current methods to predict the trapping efficiency and the preferential regions of deposition in reservoirs.

Numerical Investigation of Flow Patterns in Rectangular Shallow Reservoirs

Abstract: In this study, the capability of a two-dimensional shallow-water numerical model to simulate the symmetric and asymmetric flows that can take place in rectangular shallow reservoirs with different lateral expansion ratios and dimensionless lengths is investigated. Numerically, the main difficulty is to properly reproduce the transition between symmetric and asymmetric flows. For a large lateral expansion ratio, the use of two protocols of simulation highlighted a high sensitivity of the simulated flow pattern to the initial condition. Comparison between simulated results and experimental data showed a good agreement for the critical shape parameter (combination of the lateral expansion ratio and the dimensionless length) between symmetric and asymmetric flows. A good agreement was also found for the value of the shorter reattachment length of asymmetric flows. For small lateral expansion ratios, the agreement was not so good. The model was used for even larger lateral expansion ratios in order to numerically extend the experimental dataset. This predictive work showed that the shape parameter, whose expression was only based on experiments carried out for small lateral expansion ratios, was also relevant for larger values. Moreover, the predicted values of the shorter reattachment length were also consistent with a regression only based on experimental results.

Experimental investigation of flow pattern and sediment deposition in rectangular shallow reservoirs

Abstract This paper reports the experimental investigation of flow pattern, preferential regions of deposition and trap efficiency as a function of the length of rectangular shallow reservoirs. Four flow patterns were identified (from longer to shorter reservoirs): an asymmetric flow with two reattachment points, an asymmetric flow with one reattachment point, an unstable flow, and a symmetric flow without any reattachment point. Using dye visualizations, the median value and the temporal variability of the reattachment lengths were precisely measured for the asymmetric flows. For each stable flow, sediment tests with plastic particles were carried out. The regions of deposition on the bed of the reservoir were clearly a function of the flow pattern. The transition from an asymmetric flow pattern to a symmetric flow pattern was responsible for an abrupt decrease of the trap efficiency; a number of regression laws were discussed to take it into account.

An exact Riemann solver and a Godunov scheme for simulating highly transient mixed flows

The current research aims at deriving a one-dimensional numerical model for describing highly transient mixed flows. In particular, this paper focuses on the development and assessment of a unified numerical scheme adapted to describe free-surface flow, pressurized flow and mixed flow (characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of free-surface and pressurized flows). The methodology includes three steps. First, the authors derived a unified mathematical model based on the Preissmann slot model. Second, a first-order explicit finite volume Godunov-type scheme is used to solve the set of equations. Third, the numerical model is assessed by comparison with analytical, experimental and numerical results. The key results of the paper are the development of an original negative Preissmann slot for simulating sub-atmospheric pressurized flow and the derivation of an exact Riemann solver for the Saint-Venant equations coupled with the Preissmann slot.

Coupling between flow and sediment deposition in rectangular shallow reservoirs

Flow velocity and sedimentation patterns were investigated experimentally and numerically in shallow rectangular reservoirs with different asymmetric locations of the inlet and outlet channels. Velocity fields were measured in the entire reservoir, both for clear water flow and with suspended sediments. Thickness of sediment deposits was mapped in the whole reservoir by means of a laser light method. In one of the studied geometric configurations, injection of suspended sediments led to a complete change in the observed flow field. Experimental results were compared with numerical simulations performed with the depth-averaged flow model WOLF 2D, using a depth-averaged k–ϵ turbulence model. The simulations lead to accurate predictions of the velocity profiles and the change in flow pattern as a result of sediment deposits was successfully reproduced.

Experimental parametric study and design of Piano Key Weirs

ABSTRACT Piano Key Weirs are an effective solution for dam rehabilitation as well as new dam projects with a high level of hydraulic constraints. In order to improve the efficiency of their design, an experimental study of the influence of the main geometric parameters has been performed. Thirty one configurations were tested for a wide range of discharges. The results of the study show the influence of the weir height, the keys widths and the overhangs lengths on the discharge capacity and flow characteristics. Based on hydraulic considerations, optimum values of the main geometric ratios are provided. An analytical formulation is developed to predict the discharge capacity of the weir as a function of its geometry. It shows an accuracy of 10% compared to the experimental results of this study and from other sources.