CFD modelling of rivers and reservoirs

CFD modelling of rivers and reservoirs

Abstract

A brief introduction to the science of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) is given, including a description of the equations being solved and domain decomposition in a grid. Some examples are given for modelling rivers and reservoirs, with emphasis on engineering run-of-the-river hydropower projects. Calculations of water surface elevations and sediment flushing and deposition in reservoirs are included. The results are compared with field and laboratory experiments. Two models are used: TELEMAC, based on the finite element method, and SSIIM, based on the finite volume method. Some limitations with the methods are discussed together with future developments of CFD models in context of river and reservoir modelling.