Numerical modeling of 3-D flow on porous broad crested weirs

Gabion weirs with optional design as a broad crested weirs are suitable structures to reduce flash flood with a minimal negative impact on the water environment. In the present study, the 3-D flow was simulated around gabion weirs with respect to free-surface water. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved to predict water surface over the gabion weir. The VOF method with the geometric reconstruction scheme was applied to treat the complex free-surface flow. Simulations were performed using three variants of the k-epsilon and the RSM models to find the water level and velocity distribution profile and results are compared with several experimental data available in the literature. The structured mesh was used for all domains with high dense mesh near the solid region. A comparison between experimental data and simulations indicates that the k-epsilon model can be used to predict the complex flow and water level with high accuracy. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.