Sluice Gate Jamming in Free Discharge

Sluice gate jamming in free discharge represents a persistent challenge in hydraulic engineering applications. This investigation systematically examines the underlying mechanisms of gate jamming in upstream sealed conditions through an integrated approach combining physical model testing and advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The study reveals that an excessively high friction coefficient is a key factor leading to gate closure jamming in sluice gates that do not depend on water column force for operation. A simplified model of gate jamming is established, demonstrating that the permissible friction coefficient is closely related to the gate’s submerged weight, water head, and the available area of the panel. For emergency operational scenarios, the research demonstrates that strategic reduction of radial gate opening combined with controlled lowering of upstream water levels effectively decreases head pressure on the sluice panel, thereby facilitating gate closure. From a structural modification perspective, the implementation of a divided sluice configuration, which reduces the available area of horizontal force, emerges as a robust long-term solution.