Model of flow over spillways by computational fluid dynamics

The objective of the present study was to simulate the flow behaviour through smooth, 25-step and 50-step spillways using a multiphase flow model with the realisable k–ε model. The simulation results were compared with the data from a large-scale physical model. A grid convergence index was used to reduce the discretisation error. The simulation results of flow along stepped spillways and the flow on the step agreed well with experimental data for both smooth and stepped spillways. The flow profiles, velocity profiles, turbulence intensity, and energy dissipation of flow through spillways are illustrated and discussed. Expressions for the turbulence intensity distributions in smooth and stepped spillways are also proposed.