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Updated: Jul 9, 2025
00:09
Visualization of Flow Field Around a Vibrating Pipeline Within an Equilibrium Scour Hole
Published on: August 26, 2019
5.6K
Flow structure of the confluence between an open channel and a pipe
Zhiwei Li1, Xuefeng Wang2, Feifei Wang3
1School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Yellow River Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Summary
Numerical simulations reveal how sewage discharge affects river hydraulics. Tailgate height and flow rates influence recirculation zones, separation areas, and vortex dynamics, helping to reduce channel bed erosion.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Fluid Mechanics
- River Engineering
Background:
- Municipal drainage networks commonly discharge sewage into rivers.
- Understanding the hydraulic interactions at confluences is crucial for riverine ecosystem health.
- Erosion from pipe flow inlets poses a significant challenge in open channel systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hydraulic properties of a lateral drainage pipe merging with a rectangular open channel.
- To analyze the impact of tailgate height and flow rate ratios on flow characteristics.
- To assess the effectiveness of a tailgate in mitigating erosion.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulation of fluid flow dynamics.
- Analysis of recirculation zones, separation areas, and secondary flows.
- Examination of vortex behavior and velocity gradients.
Main Results:
- Recirculation and separation zones enlarge with increasing flow rate ratios.
- Tailgate height influences recirculation zone size and vortex formation, leading to complex vortex dynamics.
- Tailgate effectively reduces vertical velocity gradients and streamwise velocity, mitigating erosion.
Conclusions:
- Flow rate ratios and tailgate height are key factors governing confluence hydraulics.
- Tailgate manipulation can control vortex structures and reduce erosion potential.
- The findings provide insights for designing effective riverine discharge systems.
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