3D numerical investigation of bridge pier-scour development using a dynamic-mesh updating technique
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Abstract:
Based on the dynamic-mesh updating technique and user-defined function of FLUENT software, we realized the three-dimensional dynamic simulation of local pier scour. We established the numerical model using the Melville classical scour test as a prototype. The river bed was set as the main moving boundary. When the instantaneous shear stress of the bed surface was larger than the critical shear stress, the position of the node moved down, shown as scour. Van Rijn’s transport function was introduced to control the velocity of each node in the river bed. The numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental results regarding the flow field structure, occurrence and development process of scour holes, and shape of scour holes. The simulated depth of scour holes was slightly smaller than the experimental results, with an error of about 13%. The main reason for the error was the inability of the URANS models to effectively reflect the turbulent fluctuations at the leading edge of blunt piers.