Three-dimensional numerical analysis of a dam-break using OpenFOAM

Abstract

This paper presents a 3D numerical analysis of flow field patterns in a dam break laboratory scale by applying the numerical code based on Finite Volume Method (FVM), OpenFOAM. In the numerical model the turbulence is treated with RANS methodology and the VOF (Volume of Fluid) method is used to capture the free surface of the water. The numerical results of the code are assessed against experimental data. Water depth and pressure measures are used to validate the numerical model. The results demonstrate that the 3D numerical code satisfactorily reproduce the temporal variation of these variables.