ABSTRACT: A coupled three-dimensional hydrodynamics and two-dimensional underflow model is adapted to provide simulation of plunging inflows in reservoirs. The new approach accounts for the effect of the barotropic term prior to the plunge point of the inflow. Simulations of plunging flows in constant width and constant slope channels are conducted and the resulting plunge depths are in agreement with prior empirical models. Simulation of a previously measured underflow in Wellington Reservoir (Australia) demonstrates the model application to a plunging inflow in a natural water body and good agreement between field and model results.

EXTRACT: Figure 11.

Fig. 11. Comparison of modeled versus measured isopycnal contours in Wellington Reservoir during a 1976 inflow event. (Numbers refer to density – 1,000 kg m^{−3}. Field contours are reproduced from Hebbert et al. (1979). Triangles show the plunge point location predicted by the analysis of Hebbert et al. (1979)