Numerical and physical modeling reveals curved and elliptical guide walls improve approach flow uniformity in bank spillways, suggesting better flood discharge capacity.
Key Points
To evaluate how different upstream guide wall geometries influence approach channel flow conditions, wave formation, and hydraulic performance in bank spillways during extreme flood events.
Evaluated three distinct upstream guide wall configurations—triangular, elliptical, and curved shapes—using integrated physical modeling and FLOW-3D numerical simulations.
Tracked free surface flow using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method coupled with the Renormalization Group (RNG) turbulence model to compute velocity distributions and water surface profiles.
Elliptical and curved guide wall designs reduced cross wave formation in the approach channel relative to the triangular geometry.
Curved and elliptical layouts established a more uniform velocity and flow distribution toward the spillway bays compared to triangular walls.