The effect of hydrostatic water level on the local scour downstream of plunging aerated jets

This paper reports an experimental study on the effect of hydrostatic water level on local scour downstream of plunge aerated jets. To examine the shape of the scour for non-cohesive bed material, different flow and air rates, and different aeration capabilities, hydrostatic water level circumstances were tested. The water jets were aerated using conduit systems with varying cover opening ratios. Measurements were made to determine the length of the scour hole, the value of the maximum scour depth, the location of the maximum scour depth, and the scour hole profile in equilibrium. The current findings show that downstream hydrostatic water levels have a significant impact on the maximum depth and area of scour. Additionally, it was discovered that the conduit gate opening ratio and aeration performance (Qa/Qw) are crucial factors that affect the geometry and diameters of scour holes. The properties of scour caused by various hydrostatic levels were systematically compared to develop empirical correlations for predicting the maximum scour depth. Consequently, predictive emprical formulas incorporating these hydrostatic variations and aeration parameters are presented to improve engineering design accuracy.