The model simulates particle-to-particle interactions, such as friction and collisions among individual rocks or riprap blocks. This helps designers test if rock armor protection systems can withstand high-velocity flows near joints and spillway bases. FLOW-3D HYDRO | The complete 3D CFD modeling solution
In the context of dams or spillways, analyzing "cracks" typically involves investigating how water pressure and flow interact with structural flaws. FLOW-3D HYDRO facilitates this through several key capabilities: DiVA portal Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI):
Traditional models often struggle with "fluid leak-off," where fluid seeps into the rock matrix instead of just staying within the crack. The FDEM-flow3D model addresses this by simultaneously accounting for both pore seepage (in the rock matrix) and fracture seepage (in the cracks). Pore Seepage flow 3d hydro crack top
High-velocity discharges, such as those found on spillways or in plunge pools, can force water into open joints or cracks in concrete slabs and rock matrices. When water enters these "crack tops" at high speed, it can generate significant uplift pressures that threaten the stability of the entire structure.
In traditional hydrology, we model weir flow using standard equations (Rehbock, Francis, or Kindsvater-Carter). These assume a smooth, coherent nappe. However, in real-world scenarios—especially aging infrastructure or high-head spillways—the flow at the separates from the boundary, creating a low-pressure zone. If this zone falls below vapor pressure, cavitation occurs. Worse, if the concrete has a crack or joint at the crest, flow penetrates the crack, creating uplift pressures that can blow the crest slab apart. When water enters these "crack tops" at high
stands as the industry-leading computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling solution tailored specifically for civil, coastal, and environmental engineering professionals. Developed by Flow Science Inc., this powerful simulation tool pairs a water-centric user interface with the world-renowned TruVOF solver engine to accurately track transient, free-surface fluid dynamics. Engineers around the globe leverage the software to design safer dams, optimize municipal water treatment plants, and predict structural stress in complex water infrastructure.
: This method embeds complex 3D CAD geometries directly into simple, structured rectangular meshes. Instead of distorting the grid to fit a curved dam wall or pipe crown, FAVOR™ calculates fractional volume blocks, drastically cutting down manual mesh generation times. Streamlined Hydraulic Workflows For a crack top simulation
Critically, the CFD model allowed engineers to calculate cavitation indices along the spillway surface and compare them with USBR data. The analysis supported field inspection conclusions that the concrete damage was likely not caused by cavitation, demonstrating how FLOW-3D HYDRO provides the quantitative evidence needed to correctly diagnose crack-related damage.
Most CFD solvers struggle with the air-water interface, blurring the boundary. Flow-3D’s TruVOF (Volume of Fluid) method preserves the sharp discontinuity at the water surface. For a crack top simulation, this means the model accurately predicts the exact point where flow detaches from the crest, the thickness of the falling nappe, and the air entrainment rate.
For projects involving the construction of hydraulic structures (like massive concrete pours for dams), related modules within the FLOW-3D family specialize in thermal stress analysis: Crack Avoidance : Tools like FLOW-3D AM FLOW-3D CAST