Open flume turbine simulation method using six-degrees of freedom feature

Abstract

This study presents a method of using the six-degrees of freedom (6-DOF) feature with three-dimensional (3D) conditions to open flume turbine (OFT) simulation. The 6-DOF feature can represent the actual conditions because the turbine rotation is the result of post-processing, such that the physical phenomenon can be visualized precisely. The turbulent model k-ϵ was used to predict the turbulent flow that will occur. Based on the results, the optimal of mesh number is 4402703 elements and the time step is 0.001 s, which has an error below 3%. Furthermore, the visualization of pressure contour and streamline velocity are like those that occur in real conditions. The pressure and flow pattern of the water after passing the runners are decreasing and swirling (vortex). Thus, the 6-DOF feature can be an alternative for OFT simulation.