Performance evaluation of the Ilısu Dam spillway aerator

In this thesis the cavitational damage on the concrete surface of spillways and the effects of aerators on the cavitation wer investigated. The effects of aerators on the cavitation is searched. Firstly, Ilısu Dam and HEPP Project aerations' section in 1982 and revised section in 2010 performance and flow characteristics were analyzed by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The spillway design of the dam in 1982 was three dimensionally simulated using "Fine Volume Method, FVM". The model prepared with FVM export to ANYSYS-FLUENT Program, and then, analyzed with HAD in accordance with hydraulic data specified in the project. CFD analysis results of the 1982 design of the dam spillway were compared with some experimental model data presented by DSI. Second, the performance evaluations of the revised design of the spillway aerator in 2010 were performed using CFD analysis without physical model experiments. The numerical analysis results of both designs of the spillway aerator were detailed presented and the performance of them were evaluated comparatively. The CFD analyses results showed that the new revised design in 2010 is more efficiency than the old design in 1982, and the new design is sufficient to protect against cavitational damage Keywords: Ilısu Dam, Spillway, Cavitation, Aerator, CFD, Ansys-Fluent