Flow Characteristics in Nappe Flow over Stepped Drop Structure

This paper deals with flow characteristics on the air entrainment and the energy dissipation in nappe flow over the stepped drop structure. Nappe flow occurred at low flow rates and for relatively large step height Dominant flow features include an air pocket, a free-falling nappe impact and a subsequent hydraulic jump on the downstream step. Air entrainment occurred from the step edge, through a free-falling nappe impact and a hydraulic jump. Most energy was dissipated by nappe impact and in the downstream hydraulic jump. It was related with the step height and the overflow depth, but not related with step slope. The stepped drop structure was found to be effcient for water treatment and energy dissipation associated with substantial air entrainment.