Hydraulics of 3D plunge pool scour

The main flow features of' three-dimensional plunge pool scour are explored in this experimental research for steady flow conditions. These include the maximum depth of the scour hole, its streamwise geometry, and the maximum width, the maximum height of the ridge, its shape in plan view, and its profile. Expressions for all these parameters are presented in terms of the basic scour variables, including the approach flow densimetric Froude number, the jet impact angle, the jet diameter, and the tailwater elevation above the originally horizontal sediment bed. This research is based on a previous work relating to two-dimensional plunge pool scour. Differences between the two phenomena are outlined, and the results are discussed in terms of engineering applications. The results of the two works allow for the prediction of the most salient features of plunge pool scour for both the dynamic and the static scour holes. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2008) 134:9(1275) CE Database subject headings: Hydraulics; Hydraulic structures; Scour; Sediment; Spillways; Water flow.