HYDRODYNAMIC STUDY OF THE OLMSTED WICKET GATE USING A 1 25-SCALE MODEL/

This paper discusses scale-model tests and analytical procedures for i nvestigating structural vibration problems induced by flow-pressure fl uctuations. The structure under study is a 1:25-scale model of a curve d wicket gate of the Olmsted Locks and Dam. A simplified technique, ba sed on the added-mass concept assuming an incompressible fluid, was de veloped to incorporate the hydrodynamic effects of thr: surrounding fl uid in the dynamic analysis of the gate. In order to develop a fundame ntal understanding of the effects of hydrodynamic interaction, the stu dy concentrated on the hypothesis that the fluid-structure interaction involves only the first structural mode of vibration of the gate. Dat a from the shaft load and upstream pressure, obtained front the experi mental tests of the wicket gate, were analysed in order to validate th is assumption. The analysis of the data validated the hypothesis, i.e. that the pressure fluctuations and the induced transient dynamic resp onse observed during the experimental tests are related to the first n atural frequency of the wicket gate. (C) 1998 Academic Press.