Numerical modelling of supercritical flow in circular conduit bends using SPH method

Abstract

The capability of the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method to model supercritical flow in circular pipe bends is considered. The standard SPH method, which makes use of dynamic boundary particles (DBP), is supplemented with the original algorithm for the treatment of open boundaries. The method is assessed through a comparison with measured free-surface profiles in a pipe bend, and already proposed regression curves for estimation of the flow-type in a pipe bend. The sensitivity of the model to different parameters is also evaluated. It is shown that an adequate choice of the artificial viscosity coefficient and the initial particle spacing can lead to correct presentation of the flow-type in a bend. Due to easiness of its implementation, the SPH method can be efficiently used in the design of circular conduits with supercritical flow in a bend, such as tunnel spillways, and bottom outlets of dams, or storm sewers.