Numerical modeling of the phenomenon of cavitation in peak overflows using finite element method

Mohammed Mehdi Madah¹

1) Master s degree in water structures engineering

Publication : Second International Conference on applied researches in civil engineering, architecture and urban planning (icarcau.com)
Abstract :
Managing cavitation is a critical aspect of designing and optimizing dam spillways, particularly in high-flow situations. This study focuses on investigating how variations in discharge and surface roughness influence cavitation on the spillway of the Zhan Dam, located in Lorestan Province. Initially, relevant data were collected from available sources, including consultants, followed by an analysis based on simulating the flood process in the dam’s overflow reservoir. After selecting the primary flow rate, additional control flow rates were identified for comparison. The dam structure was then modeled using Ensys finite element software, specifically employing the Flotran module to assess the cavitation behavior. The research commenced with a convergence test and model optimization to ensure accurate results. Once the optimal model was established, further analyses were carried out, focusing on the impact of varying discharge and surface roughness. The findings reveal that as discharge levels rise, cavitation becomes increasingly severe, posing critical risks to the spillway s integrity. However, increasing surface roughness was found to mitigate cavitation effects slightly, contributing to an overall improvement in spillway conditions. This parametric analysis underscores the importance of carefully balancing flow rates and surface textures in spillway design to minimize cavitation-related damage.
Keywords : Cavitation Spillway Discharge Roughness Optimization