A new paper has been published in Journal of Hydraulic Research and is now online.
Title: Flow features of a horseshoe tunnel bend
Abstract:
Previous research on bend flow has mainly focused on rectangular channels or circular conduits with small bend radii. This study investigates the dynamics of bend flow in an unexplored geometry: the horseshoe cross-section with large bend radii, a typical configuration in hydraulic tunnels. We examine two critical flow features, energy losses and superelevation, employing theoretical equations and dimensional analysis based on experimental data collected on a physical model of a diversion tunnel. The findings reveal an exponential decrease in the bend loss coefficient with increasing Reynolds numbers and shockwaves within the bend for Froude numbers exceeding 1.945. These findings are relevant in a hydraulic tunnel design with similar features and offer insights to minimize energy losses and maintain stable flow conditions.
Flow features of a horseshoe tunnel bend by Giovanni Ravazzani is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.