Experimental investigation of dam-break usinglow cost laser sourcesand image processing techniques

Dambreak waves in a horizontal rectangular and smooth channel are measured using a number of low cost laser sources, fluorescent dies and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF). Even in such a simple configuration, the experiment are useful to investigate a number of factors such as: the initial wave formation process, the positive front propagation and the local velocity of the wave. The positive wave fronts and the shape of the waves are compared with analytically determined solution proposed by Ritter. The effect of the relative reservoir high on the wave maximum and shape is shown to reasonably agree with the Ritter solution. The results so obtained are discussed and allow a deeper insight into the mechanics of dam-break waves. The results are readily available for applications, and a significant modification regarding the initial flow conditions is described.