Hydraulic Engineering and Modelling of Water Flow by Use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Modern Hydraulic Analysis Methods

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2024) | Viewed by 10612

Special Issue Editor

Department of Anthropology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
Interests: ancient water engineering; water conveyance structures; hydraulics; new discoveries; CFD; water engineering history; South American societies; Mediterranean societies; Asian societies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Of the many methods currently available to analyze problems in fluid dynamics, the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software based on finite element and finite difference solution methodologies has proven important for investigating and solving problems in industrial and manufacturing engineering, water supply to cities and agricultural systems, water purity studies for urban and agricultural use, medical-biological research, historical archaeological studies of ancient water engineering, current environmental global warming change studies affecting agriculture and urban environments, as well as for many other basic study areas in new research fields of present-day importance. The intent of the new Special Issue ‘Hydraulic Engineering of Water Flow by Application of CFD Methods’ is to encourage the submission of manuscripts for publication using commercially available CFD software as well as newly originated CFD software designed to extend the current reach and applicability of existing CFD software programs originated to investigate a wide variety of currently important fluid dynamics problems. As many of Water’s Special categories utilize many different analytical techniques specific to topics of interest, the present Special Issue is intended to focus mainly on the use of CFD methodologies to solve problems of importance to Water’s readership.

Dr. Charles R. Ortloff
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • computational fluid dynamics
  • water engineering
  • flow patterns
  • industrial problems
  • physics
  • mathematics

Published Papers (7 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

19 pages, 11972 KiB  
Article
Application of Three-Dimensional CFD Model to Determination of the Capacity of Existing Tyrolean Intake
by Aslı Bor, Marcell Szabo-Meszaros, Kaspar Vereide and Leif Lia
Water 2024, 16(5), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050737 - 29 Feb 2024
Viewed by 561
Abstract
CFD models of intakes in high-head hydropower systems are rare due to the lack of geometric data and cost of modeling. This study tests two different types of software to see how modeling can be performed in a cost-effective way with scarce input [...] Read more.
CFD models of intakes in high-head hydropower systems are rare due to the lack of geometric data and cost of modeling. This study tests two different types of software to see how modeling can be performed in a cost-effective way with scarce input data and still have sufficient accuracy. The volume of fluid (VoF) model simulations are conducted using both ANSYS Fluent and OpenFOAM. The geometry is modelled from Google Earth satellite images, drone scanning data, and design drawings from the construction period and supported by field observations for extra quality control. From the model, both capacity parameters and flow pattern are calculated. For capacity, the Cd factor is calculated and compared with the literature. The simulations are conducted for a Tyrolean weir with rectangular bars (flat steel) in the rack. Simulated flow patterns through the rack with ANSYS Fluent and OpenFOAM are compared. OpenFOAM simulations yielded 15% to 20% higher water levels compared to the VOF model applied in Ansys Fluent. Also, when the flow rate was high, the water capture capacity calculated with ANSYS Fluent was 10% higher than that obtained with OpenFOAM. However, considering the total simulation times, modeling with OpenFOAM offered approximately 11% faster results. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1447 KiB  
Article
Paleohydraulics and Complexity Theory: Perspectives on Self Organization of Ancient Societies
by Charles R. Ortloff
Water 2023, 15(11), 2071; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15112071 - 30 May 2023
Viewed by 882
Abstract
Complexity theory provides a path toward understanding the development of ancient Andean societal progress from early settlements to later high population states. The use of modern hydraulic engineering methods to develop an understanding of the technical achievements of ancient societies (paleohydraulics), when combined [...] Read more.
Complexity theory provides a path toward understanding the development of ancient Andean societal progress from early settlements to later high population states. The use of modern hydraulic engineering methods to develop an understanding of the technical achievements of ancient societies (paleohydraulics), when combined with complexity theory, provides a path toward understanding the role of hydraulic engineering achievements to guide population increase and societal group cooperation on the path from early kin settlements to later statehood. An example case illustrating the paleohydraulics-complexity theory connection is presented for advancement of the pre-Columbian Bolivian Tiwanaku (600–1100 CE) society through their seasonal control of groundwater levels in urban city areas. This feature provided well water availability for city housing, public fountains, city hygienic and health benefits from the control of habitation dampness levels, water on a year-round basis for intra-city specialty crops, and the structural foundational stability of monumental religious structures. Commensurate with this application, Tiwanaku raised-field systems utilized groundwater control technologies to support multi-cropping agriculture to support growing population demands. Paleohydraulics theory together with complexity theory is applied to other major South American ancient societies (Caral, Tiwanaku, Chimú, Wari, Inka) to illustrate the influence of advanced hydraulic engineering technologies on advances from early origins to statehood. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 8043 KiB  
Article
Numerical Modelling on Physical Model of Ringlet Reservoir, Cameron Highland, Malaysia: How Flow Conditions Affect the Hydrodynamics
by Safari Mat Desa, Mohamad Hidayat Jamal, Mohd Syazwan Faisal Mohd, Mohd Kamarul Huda Samion, Nor Suhaila Rahim, Rahsidi Sabri Muda, Radzuan Sa’ari, Erwan Hafizi Kasiman, Mushairry Mustaffar, Daeng Siti Maimunah Ishak and Muhamad Zulhasif Mokhtar
Water 2023, 15(10), 1883; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15101883 - 16 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1521
Abstract
The relative impacts of changes in the storage capacity of a reservoir are strongly influenced by its hydrodynamics. This study focused mainly on predicting the flow velocities and assessing the effectiveness of groynes as control mitigation structures in changes in the water depth [...] Read more.
The relative impacts of changes in the storage capacity of a reservoir are strongly influenced by its hydrodynamics. This study focused mainly on predicting the flow velocities and assessing the effectiveness of groynes as control mitigation structures in changes in the water depth and velocity distributions in Ringlet Reservoir. Initially, the physical model of the Habu River (the main part of Ringlet Reservoir) was fabricated, and flow velocities were measured. Then, a two-dimensional HEC-RAS was adapted to numerically simulate the hydrodynamics of the annual recurrence intervals of 1, 5, and 100 years in the Ringlet Reservoir. Experimental data acquired at the Hydraulic and Instrumentation Laboratory of the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) was used to calibrate and validate the numerical models. The comparison of simulation and experimental results revealed that the water levels in all simulations were consistent. As for the velocity, the results show a comparable trend but with a slight variation of results compared to the experiments due to a few restrictions found in both simulations. These simulation results are deemed significant in predicting future sediment transport control based on hydrodynamics in this reservoir and can be of future reference. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

58 pages, 25726 KiB  
Article
CFD Investigations of Water Supply and Distribution Systems of Ancient Old and New World Archaeological Sites to Recover Ancient Water Engineering Technologies
by Charles R. Ortloff
Water 2023, 15(7), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071363 - 01 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2033
Abstract
New to archaeological studies is the field of paleohydrology characterized by the use of modern hydraulic engineering and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of ancient urban and agricultural water supply and distribution systems. Examples are presented in nine chapters of CFD investigations of [...] Read more.
New to archaeological studies is the field of paleohydrology characterized by the use of modern hydraulic engineering and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of ancient urban and agricultural water supply and distribution systems. Examples are presented in nine chapters of CFD investigations of old and new world archaeological sites (several of which are World Heritage sites) using FLOW-3D CFD software to bring forward new discoveries revealing the depth of ancient water engineers’ knowledge and creativity not previously noted in the archaeological literature. As modern analysis methods reveal technical details of ancient water systems, equivalent ancient technologies exist that were used in the design and operation of ancient water systems, albeit in formats, texts, and origins yet to be discovered. The nine chapters to follow present brief summaries of ancient sites’ water systems and the use of CFD and modern hydraulic engineering methods to discover the water engineering knowledge base used by ancient water engineers. Results are new revelations unknown in the current literature of ancient sites. Paleohydrology studies presented serve to add a further dimension to the history of ancient new and old world archaeological sites by bringing forward added details of water engineering projects accomplished by ancient engineers. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4628 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Pipeline Arrangement on Velocity Field and Scouring Process
by Fereshteh Kolahdouzan, Hossein Afzalimehr, Seyed Mostafa Siadatmousavi, Asal Jourabloo and Sajjad Ahmad
Water 2023, 15(7), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071321 - 28 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1248
Abstract
This experimental study investigates the effect of changes in the arrangement of horizontal pipelines on changes in the velocity pattern in three dimensions and the scouring process around these submarine pipelines. Experiments have been carried out in four cases: single pipe, two pipes [...] Read more.
This experimental study investigates the effect of changes in the arrangement of horizontal pipelines on changes in the velocity pattern in three dimensions and the scouring process around these submarine pipelines. Experiments have been carried out in four cases: single pipe, two pipes with a distance of 0.5 D, two pipes with a distance of D, and three pipes with a distance of 0.5 D (D is the diameter of the pipes). The velocity upstream, downstream, and on the pipes have been measured by the Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV). The results show that a single pipe’s scouring depth in the first case is more significant than in the other cases. In the second case, the presence of the second pipe at a distance of 0.5 D from the first pipe significantly reduced the scour depth (28.6%) compared to the single pipe condition by changing the velocity pattern around the pipelines. By increasing the number of pipes to 3 with a distance of 0.5 D, this reduction in scouring depth has reached 47.6% compared to the single pipe condition. However, in the case of two pipes with a distance of D, the reduction of scouring depth was 21.4% compared to the case of a single pipe, and compared to the case of two pipes with a distance of 0.5 D, it increased by 10%. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 8285 KiB  
Article
Structure Integrity Analysis Using Fluid–Structure Interaction at Hydropower Bottom Outlet Discharge
by Mohd Rashid Mohd Radzi, Mohd Hafiz Zawawi, Mohamad Aizat Abas, Ahmad Zhafran Ahmad Mazlan, Mohd Remy Rozainy Mohd Arif Zainol, Nurul Husna Hassan, Wan Norsyuhada Che Wan Zanial, Hayana Dullah and Mohamad Anuar Kamaruddin
Water 2023, 15(6), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15061039 - 09 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1688
Abstract
Dam reliability analysis is performed to determine the structural integrity of dams and, hence, to prevent dam failure. The Chenderoh Dam structure is divided into five parts: the left bank, right bank, spillway, intake section, and bottom outlet, with each element performing standalone [...] Read more.
Dam reliability analysis is performed to determine the structural integrity of dams and, hence, to prevent dam failure. The Chenderoh Dam structure is divided into five parts: the left bank, right bank, spillway, intake section, and bottom outlet, with each element performing standalone functions to maintain the overall Dam’s continuous operation. This study presents a numerical reliability analysis of water dam reservoir banks using fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulation of the bottom outlet structures operated at different discharge conditions. Three-dimensional computer-aided drawings were used to view the overall Chenderoh Dam. Next, a two-way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model was developed to explore the influence of fluid flow and structural deformation on dam systems. The FSI modeling consists of Ansys Fluent and Ansys Structural modules to consider the boundary conditions separately. The reliability and performance of the reservoir bottom outlet structure was effectively simulated and recognised using FSI. The maximum stress on the bottom outlet section is 18.4 MPa, which is lower than the yield stress of mild steel of 370 MPa. Therefore, there will be no structural failure being observed on the bottom outlet section when the butterfly valve is fully closed. With a few exceptions, the FSI models projected that bottom outlet structures would be able to run under specified conditions without structural collapse or requiring interventions due to having lower stress than the material’s yield strength. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 8642 KiB  
Article
CFD Simulation of a Submersible Passive Rotor at a Pipe Outlet under Time-Varying Water Jet Flux
by Mohamed Farouk, Karim Kriaa and Mohamed Elgamal
Water 2022, 14(18), 2822; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14182822 - 10 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1754
Abstract
During the past two decades, passive rotors have been proposed and introduced to be used in a number of different water sector applications. One of these applications is the use of a passive rotor at the outlets of pipe outfalls to enhance mixing. [...] Read more.
During the past two decades, passive rotors have been proposed and introduced to be used in a number of different water sector applications. One of these applications is the use of a passive rotor at the outlets of pipe outfalls to enhance mixing. The main objective of this study is to develop a CFD computational workflow to numerically examine the feasibility of using a passive rotor downstream of the outlet of pipe outfalls to improve the mixing properties of the near flow field. The numerical simulation for a pipe outlet with a passive rotor is a numerical challenge because of the nonlinear water-structure interactions between the water flow and the rotor. This study utilizes a computational workflow based on the ANSYS FLUENT to simulate that water-structure interaction to estimate the variation in time of the angular speed (ω) of a passive rotor initially at rest and then subjected to time-varying water velocity (υ). Two computational techniques were investigated: the six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) and the sliding mesh (SM). The 6DOF method was applied first to obtain a mathematical relation of ω as a function of the water velocity (υ). The SM technique was used next (based on the deduced ω-υ relation by the 6DOF) to minimize the calculation time considerably. The study has shown that the 6DOF technique accurately determines both maximum and temporal angular speeds, with discrepancies within 3% of the measured values. A number of numerical runs were conducted to investigate the effect of the gap distance between the passive rotor and the pipe outlet and to examine the effect of using the passive rotor on the near flow field downstream of the rotor. The model results showed that as the gap distance of the pipe outlet to the passive rotor increases, the rotor’s maximum angular speed decreases following a decline power-law trend. The numerical model results also revealed that the passive rotor creates a spiral motion that extends downstream to about 15 times the pipe outlet diameter. The passive rotor significantly increases the turbulence intensity by more than 500% in the near field zone of the pipe outlet; however, this effect rapidly vanishes after four times the pipe diameter. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop