Performance of Three-Dimensional Modeling for Flow Structures in Channel Bends

AbstractNatural channels are seldom straight and commonly take sinuous patterns with turbulent and strongly three-dimensional (3D) flows in the bends. A 3D hydrodynamic model [Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS)] with major 3D flow features and different turbulence submodels was developed in a cu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of waterway, port, coastal, and ocean engineering port, coastal, and ocean engineering, 2017-11, Vol.143 (6)
Main Authors: Xiao, Y, Yang, F. S, Fu, H. X, Li, J. W
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Channel bends
Channels
Computational fluid dynamics
Computer simulation
Coordinate systems
Decompression sickness
Finite element method
Flow structures
Hydrodynamic models
Hydrodynamics
Modelling
Open channels
Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes method
Technical Notes
Three dimensional flow
Three dimensional models
Turbulence
Turbulent flow
Velocity distribution
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Summary:AbstractNatural channels are seldom straight and commonly take sinuous patterns with turbulent and strongly three-dimensional (3D) flows in the bends. A 3D hydrodynamic model [Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS)] with major 3D flow features and different turbulence submodels was developed in a curvilinear, nonorthogonal coordinate system. A typical consecutive bend experiment was chosen as the verification case. A bend flow characteristic model with two turbulence submodels (k-ε and shear-stress transport model) was developed using different grid mesh systems. A comparative assessment of the models was performed. The model verification was conducted by comparing the simulated velocity distribution, flow structure, and secondary current development with the experimental measurements. Differences between the simulations and measurements were observed when the secondary current or separation layer occurred. This indicates that the simulation accuracy in the high-sinuosity bends decreases with the development of channel bends. Comparison of the results obtained by the 3D RANS model with experimental and field data, and numerical predictions, validates that the k-ε model with the fine-grid system is capable of simulating flow fields in curved open channels with reasonable accuracy.
ISSN:0733-950X
1943-5460
DOI:10.1061/(ASCE)WW.1943-5460.0000418