The article presents the results of numerical modeling of hydrodynamic processes in the upstream reach of the Lower DniesterHydroelectric Power Station during the passage of a design flood. The main objective of the study was to obtain reliable information about the behavior of the water flow, changes in the free surface level, and the distribution of flow velocities under extreme discharge conditions.The OpenFOAM computational platform was used as the simulation environment, employing the Volume of Fluid (VoF) method, which enables modeling of water – air phase interactions while accounting for gravity, turbulence, and complex terrain geometry.Particular attention was paid to the influence of boundary conditions and modeling assumptions on the simulation results.Despite the simplifications made, the numerical data demonstrated a high degree of consistency with analytical calculations based on 2-D Saint-Venant equations.The analysis of the results confirmed the effectiveness of the VoF method for hydrodynamic simulations in complex geometricenvironments and highlighted its potential as a decision-support tool in flood management scenarios. The model identified zones with potentially the highest hydraulic loads, which is critical information for the real-time prevention of emergency situations.The findings support safer and more reliable operation of hydroelectric facilities. This is especially relevant in the context ofclimate change and the rising occurrence of extreme weather events.
Author Biographies
O. A. Riabenko, National University of Water and Environmental Engineering
Doctor of Engineering, Professor
P. V. Popruha, National University of Water and Environmental Engineering
