Physical Modeling
SAFL engineers and researchers develop physical models test large scale structures at a manageable laboratory scale.
Physical models are incredibly useful when determining project feasibility and identifying potential problems. Multiple aspects of SAFL models are precisely scaled, allowing the model to represent field conditions accurately; this means not only scaling the structure, but also flow rates and flow stresses. The research flow typically involves understanding the problem, designing and constructing a model, validating the model, testing and collecting data, and finally reporting.
SAFL's facilities were built with physical modeling in mind. SAFL maintains numerous indoor facilities equipped for modeling, including the SAFL model floor, as well as the Outdoor StreamLab (OSL). Throughout the laboratory, there are also numerous data collection carriages with laser scanners that can be used to precisely verify a models shape.
Contact Jeff Marr for more information about SAFL's physical modeling capabilities
Read about some of SAFL's physical modeling projects below:
SAFL researchers built a scale model of a round-bottomed long-throated flume, in order to validate the accuracy of Winflume software for this specific flume geometry.
Scale models of an aqueduct crossing a diversion channel was built to identify potential issues with scour, debris clogs, ice jams, and aquatic organism passage.
A scale model of a proposed pumping station was built to identify areas with unfavorable hydraulic conditions that would lead to wear and tear on the pump station.
SAFL engineers modeled a proposed spillway to test the design and any design modifications under a variety of flow conditions.
SAFL Engineers built a scale model of a proposed hydro spillway design, in order to determine if the design would effectively dissipate energy and contain the hydraulic jump.