A 3D Numerical Model for Turbidity Currents

Abstract

A numerical model that solves two-phase flow motion equations to reproduce turbidity currents that occur in reservoirs, is proposed. Three formalizations of the two-phase flow motion equations are presented: the first one can be adopted for high concentration values; the second one is valid under the hypothesis of diluted concentrations; the third one is based on the assumption that the particles are in translational equilibrium with the fluid flow. The proposed numerical model solves the latter formalization of two-phase flow motion equations, in order to simulate turbidity currents. The motion equations are presented in an integral form in time-dependent curvilinear coordinates, with the vertical coordinate that varies in order to follow the free surface movements. The proposed numerical model is validated against experimental data and is applied to a practical engineering case study of a reservoir, in order to evaluate the possibility of the formation of turbidity currents.