Performance of rectangular labyrinth weir – an experimental and numerical study

Abstract Labyrinth weirs are commonly used to increase the capacity of existing spillways and provide more efficient for new dams due their high specific discharge compared linear weir. In present study, an experimental numerical investigation was conducted improve rectangular labyrinth weir performance. this context, four configurations were tested evaluate influence entrance shape alveoli width on its capacity. The models, three models with a rounded one flat entrance, in channel conditions inlet outlet ratios (a/b) equal 0.67, 1 1.5. results indicate that increases efficiency by up 5%. A ratio a/b 1.5 leads 8 18% respectively. addition, simulation using open-source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) OpenFOAM analyze information about flow behavior over models. comparison between coefficient performed good agreement found (mean absolute relative error 4–6%).