Author(s)

F. Kerger, S. Detrembleur, P. Archambeau, S. Erpicum, B. J. Dewals & M. Pirotton

Abstract

The dynamics of free surface flow induced by a partially or totally submerged moving body generates non-straightforward effort distribution. In the design process of moving hydraulic structures and their operation device, the pressure field acting on them is of prime interest. A fundamental example of such a phenomenon, namely the vertical uplift of a submerged horizontal rigid sheet, is hereafter experimentally analyzed. The present study includes the description of the experimental apparatus built in the HACH laboratory and the description of the rigorous experimental procedure used. The purpose of the analysis is to identify the fundamental hydrodynamic mechanisms involved. Keywords: flap gate, experimental hydrodynamics, fluid structure interaction. 1 Introduction The dynamics of free surface flow induced by the essentially vertical motion of a submerged body is a complex phenomenon. In particular, it remains challenging to predict the pressure distribution generated by the flow on the body. Phenomenon intricacy results from the underlying relationship between the pressure field surrounding the moving body and the velocity field resulting from its movement. Indeed, even if the pressure field arises from the flow, one must conceive of this field as the driving force of the flow. From a civil engineering point of view, several hydraulic structures may be assigned to this category of

Keywords

flap gate, experimental hydrodynamics, fluid structure interaction.