Date of Award:

5-2014

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Steven L. Barfuss

Committee

Steven L. Barfuss

Committee

William Rahmeyer

Committee

Paul Barr

Abstract

The Utah Water Research Laboratory at Utah State University proposes to examine further a little known issue frequently seen in research conducted. The Utah Water Research Lab frequently conducts physical model studies of hydraulic structures for organizations around the world during the design process. These studies allow engineers to determine potential design revisions though simulations of operations including flood flows. Often, vortices, or whirlpools, occur in these models. Vortices are common occurrences at intakes in hydraulic structures such as dams and pump sumps. They can be detrimental to the operation and efficiency of these structures.

The purpose of this work is to examine the change in vortex behavior at differing physical model scales. This was done using four identical experiments built at differing scales with the largest of the four being defined as a prototype. Each experiment created vortex flow at the intake to a sluice gate using unique approach conditions.

This study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing a set of both qualitative and quantitative observations made from images in multiple perspectives and measured data. The study will allow researchers to understand better the relationships between observed vortices in physical models and predicted vortex behavior in the constructed prototype.

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