Three-Dimensional Computational Modeling of Flow in Diversion Sluiceways

This paper evaluates the performance of a numerical tool to simulate flow through diversion sluiceways, particularly regarding pressures in the sluice entrance. The results of the Salto Caxias HPP hydraulic scale models were used to supply further information for analysis and validate the computational model. The tests were performed to optimize the shape of the entrance, emphasizing the pressure distributions obtained for three alternative configurations. The study using the Computational FLOW3D computer model showed that the tool used may effectively forecast the distribution of pressures at the sluice entrance, contributing to the definition of the geometry that avoids cavitation and minimizing the need to perform several modifications in the hydraulic scale model, which takes longer and is more expensive.