Level Set method-based two-dimensional numerical model for simulation of nonuniform open-channel flow

Abstract

The capture precision of the free surface of an open-channel with a water-air interface directly affects the calculation precision of flow field characteristics and general characteristics of the flow. Significant research effort has been devoted to Level Set since its creation, although the relevant research is mainly limited to bubble or droplet movement. In this paper, Level Set method is applied to a two-dimensional numerical simulation of open-channel turbulence, while a new numerical model is proposed and multispot synchronized experimental data are applied to the validation of numerical model. In addition, the model is used to study the flow field characteristics and general characteristics of open-channel flow, which have a water-level lowering curve. The study shows that (1) a semilogarithm zone of vertical distribution of longitudinal velocity is still present amid the transition of flow from nonuniform to uniform, and the depth-averaged velocity and wall shear stress increase along the flowing path. (2) both the energy loss coefficient and roughness coefficient of the flow at nonuniform flow region are greater than the respective values at uniform flow region, and the magnitude of the deviation is relevant to the magnitude of the flow deviation from uniform flow stage.