Flow kinematic characteristics in the scour hole downstream of a grade-control structure

Abstract

The mathematical description of the evolution of the scour hole generated around a hydraulic structure requires a detailed analysis of the kinematic characteristics of flow and of turbulent structures. The scouring phenomenon is complex and experimental works show that the characteristics of such turbulent structures depend on the water jet condition and on the geometry of the structure itself. The aim of the present work is to get a better understanding on scour evolution and flow field downstream of a rigid basement of a control structure. The analysis is conducted by using experimental data collected in a straight laboratory flume realized at the laboratory of the “Dipartimento di Ingegneria Idraulica ed Applicazioni Ambientali” - University of Palermo (Italy).