Three-dimensional numerical simulation of stepped dropshaft with different step shapes

The deep tunnel system is increasingly used worldwide for stormwater conveyance and storage, providing a robust and effective means of preventing urban waterlogging. In the system, the dropshaft, with the function of conveying stormwater to the deep tunnels underground, often runs under conditions of high falling head and large discharge. Based on the standard stepped dropshaft, a blade-shaped stepped dropshaft was proposed in order to control the potential standing wave and improve discharge capacity. Its hydraulic characteristics in respect of flow pattern, flow rate distribution, time-averaged pressure and energy dissipation were investigated by numerical simulation. Compared with the standard stepped dropshaft, the blade-shaped stepped dropshaft generated a more uniform flow rate distribution in the radial direction, therefore effectively decreasing the height of the standing wave near the external wall. The negative pressure areas that easily existed on the vertical wall of steps were well controlled. The energy dissipation of the blade-shaped stepped dropshaft was as high as that of the standard stepped dropshaft. Therefore, the blade-shaped stepped dropshaft could be a preferable design for the deep tunnel system. HIGHLIGHTS Report a new kind of stepped dropshaft in deep tunnel systems, namely the blade-shaped stepped dropshaft.; Obtain the hydraulic characteristics of the blade-shaped stepped dropshaft in respect of flow pattern, flow rate distribution, time-averaged pressure and energy dissipation.; Compare with the standard stepped dropshaft to obtain the influence of the step shape on the hydraulic characteristics.