Effect of jet aeration on hydrodynamic forces on plunge pool floors

Abstract

The effect of jet aeration on the mean hydrodynamic forces applied on plunge pool floors was investigated. A mathematical expression is proposed to estimate the buoyancy coefficient reflecting the aeration effect, including contributions from previous authors. A correction of the theoretical values resulting from this expression based on data obtained in an experimental setup with vertical submerged rectangular (two-dimensional) aerated jets is proposed. The effect of the buoyancy coefficient is introduced in the integration of the hydrodynamic pressures over slabs of the plunge pool floor. Dimensionless forces on the upper faces of the slabs are determined for different air concentrations of the impinging jet. The effect of jet aeration entering the plunge pool on the uplift force applied in the lower faces of the slabs in the case where a waterstop failure occurs is also analysed.