Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), NSF NHERI 2025: Scaling Laws for Turbulent Fluid Velocity in Geotechnical Centrifuge Modeling

This study investigates scaling laws for turbulent fluid velocity through cracks in clay levee models tested within a 9 meter radius geotechnical centrifuge. The intent of this research is to resolve the significant gap in understanding scaling relationships related to turbulent flows. Using experimental data from the cut-slot centrifuge tests (test IDs: KWK02, KWK03) conducted at the University of California, Davis. The derived scaling law may be reused to further study alternate data related to turbulent flows through cracked levees. This project is unique as it derives a new scaling law applicable to the fluid velocity of turbulent flows through open-channels. The intended audience include scholars and researchers interested in geotechnical centrifuge modeling, and related similitude analysis.