Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » El Reno, Oklahoma » Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center » Agroclimate and Hydraulics Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #423167
Research Project: Development of a Monitoring Network, Engineering Tools, and Guidelines for the Design, Analysis, and Rehabilitation of Embankment Dams, Hydraulic Structures, and Channels

Location: Agroclimate and Hydraulics Research Unit

Title: Methods for developing spillway rating curves using 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with automation and optimization tools

Author
item Heiner, Bryan
item FOX, BRIAN - Flow Sciences, Inc

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/20/2024
Publication Date: 5/20/2025
Citation: Heiner, B.J., Fox, B. 2025. Methods for developing spillway rating curves using 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with automation and optimization tools. Abstract. Resources Institute (EWRI) Congress - Anchorage, Alaska May 18-21, 2025.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Accurate stage-discharge rating curves of hydraulic controls are fundamental for operating and maintaining hydraulic structures. In many cases such as gate-controlled service spillways, the relationship between reservoir elevation and discharge becomes complicated, and standardized rating curves may not be suitable. A physical model or 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation can be used to develop site-specific rating curves to analyze all potential combinations of gate openings and reservoir elevations. Using data from a recent United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) project, the current study demonstrates the use of 3D CFD to automatically generate a stage-discharge rating curve for a radial-gated chute-type spillway. We will first present methods to identify optimal model setup approaches (e.g., meshing configurations and numerical methods) to minimize compute time and maximize the accuracy of the model predicted discharge. The second step will be to use workflow automation tools to generate a full rating curve under the range of expected reservoir elevations and gate heights. Comparisons between CFD and physical modeling approaches will be provided to evaluate differences in accuracy, time, and cost.USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.