Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Flow In A Reservoir In The Presence of Vortex

Abstract

In the present work, a numerical study was performed to analyze the flow behavior in a reservoir in the presence of strong vortices. A challenging subject in this study was the flow field in the reservoir and the mechanism of vortex formation. The numerical model was verified with the available theories and experimental data. Experiments were conducted in a reservoir in which strong vortices were formed over an intake. Measurements of the flow field were carried out with an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) for a constant intake submerged depth and two different intake Froude numbers. The agreement between numerical and experimental results for 3D velocity field was good. Finally, using the validated numerical results, the flow behavior in the reservoir was analyzed. A funnel shape flow pattern was recognized in the reservoir toward the intake and its boundaries were identified. Another flow pattern observed was a spiral vortex motion from the water surface towards the intake. The present paper intends to make a deep understanding of flow field in a reservoir due to water withdrawal.