Validation of numerical simulation of the mean flow and turbulence on the non-aerated zone of a stepped spillway

The present work includes the study of the mean flow and turbulent statistics in the non-aerated zone of a stepped spillway by using the RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes) equations with closures provided by the k-e , and RNG (Renormalization Group) k-e  models in 2D. Numerical results obtained with the OpenFOAM (Open source Field Operation And Manipulation) toolbox, are compared with the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experimental measurements of Amador (Amador 2005; Amador et al., 2006). We conclude that the numerical simulations thoroughly reproduce the experimental measurements of the averaged velocity flow field, and the turbulent statistics.