Experimental procedure to obtain 2D time-space high-speed water surfaces

Numerical validations always require a major effort involving laboratory measurements. In 2D models, it is unusual to see comparisons between measurements (in space and time) and the numerical results of a model. Measuring a surface involves many problems because collecting sufficient data in space and time is very complex. This paper indicates how to measure a liquid surface by taking 2D measurements (in space and time) of a set of cross-sections of a water surface experiencing a dam-break phenomenon. This work was carried out by a research group (GITS-UPC) at the Hydraulics Laboratory of the Department of Hydraulic, Maritime and Environmental Engineering of the Technical University of Catalonia. The paper details our mathematical framework and experimental methodology, which involves 3 mW laser beams and high- and medium-speed cameras, and compares a numerical surface to an experimental surface. The numerical data were modelled using FLATMODEL, which was developed entirely by the research group.