Numerical research on reservoir sedimentation predictions under scheduled operations.

Reservoir sedimentation usually occurs in rivers that carry heavy amounts of silt. Setting reasonable schedules for drainage hole operations can balance the reservoir sediment levels and downstream river morphology. China's Yellow River is well known for its abundant sediment supply. The Xiaolangdi Reservoir is the key control project for the main stem of the Yellow River, and its sediment accumulation is especially serious. Preventing sedimentation before the gates is an important issue. The characteristics of the flow and sediment before the intake towers under scheduled drainage hole operations should be thoroughly researched. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model was established based on MIKE 3. Variations of the flow structure, sediment concentration, and sedimentation elevation were the parameters studied under the scheduled operations. The results showed that the features of the bend flow are developed during the model phase. The velocity distribution in the vertical direction does not follow the general logarithmic distribution law of open channels. Scouring funnels appear during the development of the sedimentation surface before the intake towers. The sedimentation elevation is lower than the permissible value and has no influence on gate operations. This paper can provide a reference for similar research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]