Numerical solution of Lock-exchange flow in a curved channel with an obstacle

Abstract

Gravity currents modify their flow characteristics in the presence of an obstacle. Also, the flow path to the dam reservoirs is not always direct. Since no studies have addressed the feedback between the hydrodynamics of a gravity current in a curved channel and the location effects of the obstacle, in this research, a Lock-exchange density current flows in a 120[Formula: see text] bending channel. The numerical simulation has been performed using OpenFOAM software. The models include no-obstacle curved channel and a curved channel with an obstacle in different positions concerning the increased radius of the curved channel. Results indicated that the obstacle directed the concentration towards the banks, with its maximum value tending from the outer to the inner bank, especially in the tail. The tail longitudinal velocity maximized near the channel bed in areas far from the obstacle, and in the outer bank in areas near it. The secondary flow reduces its lowest and most different pattern observed around the obstacle. In displacing the latter, if the front has at a certain distance, the secondary flow does not change much, but if it has at the channel end, the post-obstacle secondary flow would increase as the obstacle neared the Lock.