Experiments on flow over obstacle arrays: a database for turbulent flow and wave transformation modeling

Area of Science:

• Fluid Dynamics
• Hydraulic Engineering
• Experimental Data

Background:

• Understanding open-channel flow is critical for managing water resources and infrastructure.
• Existing datasets often lack comprehensive data on flow interactions with diverse obstacle configurations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a unique dataset of laboratory experiments on open-channel flow interacting with obstacle arrays.
• To provide a valuable resource for validating and improving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models.

Main Methods:

• Experiments were conducted in a flume with Gaussian- and log-normal-shaped obstacles and a dune profile.
• Six array configurations were tested under both steady and unsteady flow conditions.
• Free surface flow level, bed level, and head pressure data were systematically collected.

Main Results:

• Detailed data on free surface flow, bed deformation, and pressure were acquired.
• Turbulence characteristics and wave transformation phenomena were documented.
• The dataset includes schematic representations and panoramic images of the experiments.

Conclusions:

• This is the first database to comprehensively study flow interactions with varied obstacle arrays under steady and unsteady conditions.
• The dataset and methodology are expected to significantly benefit the open-channel flow modeling community.
• Promotes advancements in hydraulic engineering and fluid dynamics research.