Numerical Analysis of the Three-Dimensional Flow Field Around Riverbank Spur Dikes in a Grouped Arrangement

Document Type : Applied Article

Authors

Fariba Golchin

Nazila Kardan

Mahdi Dini

Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/jwsd.v12i3.2504-1417

Abstract

The construction of erosion-controlling structures like spur dikes can unintentionally create local flow structures, leading to downstream flow affecting the channel bed upstream of the spur dike. This can result in shear layers, turbulence, localized erosion, and threats to the spur dike structure. Therefore, studying the placement of spur dikes in proximity under different hydraulic conditions is crucial for enhancing the design of these structures. In this study, the three-dimensional flow field around river spur dikes in grouped configurations was numerically analyzed using Fluent software to explore how the spacing of spur dikes influences the hydraulic behavior of the flow. The findings suggest that increasing the distance between spur dikes reduces the length of vortices. On average, the bed shear stress decreased to 0.6 N/m² at a distance ratio of Li/LAP equal to 5, and to 0.13 N/m² at a ratio of 7. Furthermore, at a distance ratio of 4 and flow velocities of 0.345, 0.7, and 1.2 m/s, the maximum bed shear stress was found to be 0.6, 2.6, and 7 N/m², respectively. This indicates the direct impact of flow velocity on the intensity of erosional phenomena on the bed. The reduction in bed shear stress suggests that as the distance between the spur dikes increases, the interactive effects of vortices and the intensification of shear stresses on the bed significantly decrease.

Keywords

Spur Dike

Flow Pattern

Numerical Model

Bed Shear Stress

Fluent Software

Subjects

• Water Transfer & Hydraulic Structures

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