LBM-based analysis of concrete flow for rapid prototyping of spillway energy dissipators.

The research in the field of hydraulic structures is physical in its nature and so it is time and cost intensive due to manufacturing of various physical models in order to find the optimum solution. The rapid prototyping strategy which utilizes latest production equipment facilitates the research effort, however, even the latest equipment has its limitations when concreting is concerned. This paper shows the potential of application of Lattice Boltzmann method for numerical investigation of concrete flow during casting the complex shapes of the spillway energy dissipators. This numerical approach proved promising for decision making regarding the direction and flow rate of concrete casting into volumes of complex shapes and filled with inclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]