ABSTRACT
Nature-based solutions are implemented across river catchments to reduce flood risk and environmental problems such as diffuse pollution. One intervention, the leaky barrier, is being used increasingly widely to attenuate flood flows. However, the hydraulic effects of these barriers are barely understood as it is difficult to conduct field investigations in a controlled manner. Mathematical modelling provides a potential tool to increase our understanding. In this study, the computational fluid dynamics code OpenFOAM is used to investigate the flow around a simple leaky barrier in a hydraulic flume. Three different depths were set at the outlet to test the effect of downstream backwaters on the barrier operation. The results show that 2D OpenFOAM simulations could be used to increase our understanding of leaky barriers, provided a method of artificially aerating the nappe is developed.
