Numerical Study of the Water Surface Movement During a Dam Break on a Real Terrain of the Tasotkel Reservoir, Zhambyl Region, Kazakhstan
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This work presents a comprehensive numerical simulation of the dam-break process at the Tasotkel reservoir, located in real terrain conditions in the Zhambyl region. The study focuses on understanding how the released water mass propagates over complex topography and how terrain irregularities influence wave dynamics and inundation patterns. A Volume of Fluid method was employed to model the free‐surface evolution of dam-break flows and their subsequent impact on flooding within the downstream valley. This approach allows accurate tracking of interface deformation and the movement of water over uneven ground. To validate the numerical model and ensure the reliability of the applied methodology, a set of controlled dam break simulations was carried out. These include dam-break tests in a channel with a trapezoidal recess and scenarios in an inclined channel. The outcomes of these simulations were compared against known reference data, demonstrating strong agreement and confirming the capability and accuracy of the proposed computational approach. The results reveal that the developed numerical model captures key flow features, such as wave arrival time, flow depths, and velocity variations over different terrain structures. The outcomes confirm that the method can be effectively used for high-precision and efficient assessment of dam-break consequences, including inundation zones and possible risks to downstream infrastructure or settlements. The main objective of this study is to provide a robust numerical framework for analyzing floods and inundation processes caused by dam failures on realistic three-dimensional terrain. The developed tool contributes to improved risk analysis, emergency planning, and safety assessment of hydraulic structures.
DOI: 10.37943/25iqah4178
Language: English
Topic: Dam Engineering and Safety
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7160052238