Modeling Free-Surface Flow in Rectangular Shallow Basins by Using Lattice Boltzmann Method

Abstract

The free-surface flows in rectangular basins are studied by the lattice Boltzmann model for shallow-water equations including flow turbulence (LABSWE). Asymmetrical flows occurring in the basins with different ratios of length to width are simulated. The predicted results are compared with corresponding experiments and show reasonable agreement. This indicates that the present model can produce solutions with accuracy similar to the conventional method with an algebraic model for flow turbulence. Furthermore, the effects of the Froude number and bed friction on flow asymmetry and reattachment length are investigated. The results show that the flow becomes less asymmetrical and the reattachment length grows with the increase of either the Froude number or bed friction.