Application of Dynamic Mesh Techniques to the Modelling of Density Currents in the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks

Abstract

As part of a broader study aimed at investigating the hydrodynamic and density-related effects within the Panama Canal locks, several Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models of the Miraflores Lock complex have been developed using OpenFOAM. These models incorporate multiple moving components—including vessels, miter gates, and variable free surface levels—as well as the interaction between saltwater and freshwater, which generates stratified density currents. To accurately capture the buoyancy-driven effects associated with the salt-water – fresh-water mixing, a custom flow solver was developed to handle two miscible phases with dynamic mesh support. Modifications to the turbulence model were also implemented to incorporate buoyancy effects Several dynamic mesh techniques were evaluated to accurately simulate flow conditions inside the lock chambers during different lockage stages. The advantages and limitations of these techniques are discussed, and the implementation of a hybrid approach—combining mesh deformation with periodic remeshing—is presented. This method was found to be the most effective in terms of flexibility and ease-of-use.