Modeling and Prototype Testing of Flows over Flip-Bucket Aerators

Abstract

The paper deals with a unique spillway which incorporates an aerator in each flip bucket with the intention to aerate the flow and avoid subatmospheric air cavities enclosed by the jets. In terms of jet breakup and stability, the physical models and the prototype lead to contradicting conclusions. With sealed aerators, the models exhibit intact air cavities featuring negative air pressure, suggesting the aeration need. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is performed to determine the reason for the discrepancy. Both the prototype observations and CFD indicate that the jets break up as a result of air entrainment; the resulting cavity air-pressure drops are insignificantly small. The discrepancy is due to the small model scale, in which the threshold flow velocity for air entrainment is not met and the prerequisite for jet breakup does not exist. To correctly reproduce similar water–air flow phenomena, the model should be large enough to meet the air-entrainment criterion. When questioning a small-scale model with air-cavity formation, CFD simulations should be performed to check the model results and make corrections, if needed.