Evaluation of scale effects in physical modeling of combined ogee and sharp-crested weir flow using a 3D CFD model

Abstract

Research on scale effects on flows over weirs has been conducted on a limited basis, primarily focusing on flows upstream of a single-type weir, such as ogee, broad-crested, and sharp-crested (linear and non-linear) weirs. However, the scale effects downstream of these single-type weirs have not been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the scale effects on flows over a combined weir system consisting of an ogee weir and a sharp-crested weir, both upstream and downstream, utilizing physical modeling at a 1:33.33 scale based on Froude similarity and three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. The sharp-crested weir in this study was represented by two sluice gates that remain closed and submerged during flood events. The experimental data confirmed that the equivalent discharge coefficients of the combined weir system behaved similarly to those of a sharp-crested weir across various H/P (where H is the total head, and P is the weir height) values. However, scale effects on the discharge rating curve due to surface tension and viscosity could only be minimized when H/P > 0.4, Re > 26 959, and We > 240 (where Re and We are the Reynolds and Weber numbers, respectively), provided that the water depth exceeded 0.042 m above the crest. Additionally, Re greater than 4 × 10⁴ was necessary to minimize scale effects caused by viscosity in flows in the spillway channel and stilling basin (with baffle blocks). The limiting criteria aligned closely with existing literature. This study offers valuable insights for practical applications in hydraulic engineering in the future.