Comparison of Energy Dissipation in Ogee and Stepped Spillway Using the Fluent Software

Abstract

One of the essential components of any dam is the spillway, which stands as one of the oldest man-made hydraulic structures. It serves as a device designed for the measurement and regulation of water flow, facilitating the controlled passage of excess water and sediment from the upstream to the downstream. This structure finds extensive application in dam construction. Given the critical nature of its function, a stepped spillway demands robust and reliable instruments to ensure high efficiency, ready for use at any moment. Providing crucial information about the behaviour of this significant structure, including flow characteristics such as the flow curve, water level profile, pressure, and velocity pattern at different points of the flow, is essential for its design, monitoring, and safety program. In this research, the Fluent software was employed, utilizing the RSM turbulence mode for simulating the flow on both Ogee and stepped spillways. The comparison of energy loss in these spillways was conducted, employing the VOF model to trace the free flow surface. The obtained results were validated using previous researchers’ studies.