Experimental and numerical study on the evolution of wave front profile of dam-break waves

This paper focuses on the evolution of wave front profile of dam-break waves. Firstly, dam-break waves with various initial upstream and downstream water depths are conducted experimentally and systematically. Secondly, the obvious influence of bottom resistance on wave front profile for dry-bed, also the accuracy of exiting analytical solution on the conserved wave height behind the wave front for wet-bed, are elaborately explicated and are carefully verified with experimental results. In addition, the evolution processes of wave front profile with initial downstream water depth and incoming wave height are revealed in detail. The relationship between the maximum incoming wave height and the conserved wave height behind the wave front, as well as the evolution of maximum wave front slope with the conserved wave height and the initial downstream water depth, are obtained experimentally. Also the corresponding envelopes are achieved. Furthermore, the discussions between dry-bed and wet-beds are highlighted, as well as the scale effect. Finally, the interaction mechanism between upstream incoming wave and initial downstream water is revealed. This study presents a deeper insight into the evolution of dam-break wave front profile, and provides a method for rapid calculation of maximum wave height and maximum wave front slope.