Numerical modelling and experimental investigation of the fluid flow and contaminant dispersion in a channel

This paper presents results of both a computational and a physical model of the fluid and mass transport processes in a straight channel with flow control obstructions being placed in the channel. The numerical model employs a three-dimensional CFD simulation incorporating turbulent models for the fluid and mass transport in the channel. The experimental investigations provide the necessary boundary conditions and validation data for the computational model. Large recirculating flows are observed in both the numerical and experimental investigations. Salt solutions have been used in the experimental investigations for the contaminant transport and the dispersion of the salt solution in the channel has been studied numerically. We have obtained reasonably good agreement between the numerical predictions and the experimental observations for both the fluid flow and the mass transport processes.