A Composite Energy Dissipation System Based on Pressure-Dividing Transition Mechanism for High-Head Dams in Constrained Valleys: Physical Model Validation

Hydropower development in high-altitude regions increasingly confronts a challenging “trilemma”: high hydraulic heads, large unit discharges, and spatially constrained narrow valleys. Under such conditions, conventional energy dissipation measures frequently fail to prevent downstream riverbed scour, thereby threatening both ecological integrity and infrastructure safety. This study aims to propose, parametrically optimize, and physically validate a novel composite energy dissipation structure designed to resolve this specific trilemma based on a pressure-dividing transition mechanism. Using the Louli Hydropower Project as a case study (Qmax = 6944 m3/s, unit discharge q = 119 m3/(s·m), available basin length L = 78 m), we conducted systematic 1:100 scale physical model tests. The results demonstrate that conventional optimizations, such as secondary stilling basins and dentated sills, are ineffective under these boundary conditions, leading to incomplete hydraulic jumps and extended high-velocity zones. In contrast, the proposed composite structure, which integrates a deepened stilling basin (depth = 9 m), asymmetric sidewall widening (20 m offset), and a gentle slope transition (1:20 gradient), achieved superior performance. Under the 50-year design flood with controlled discharge operation, the energy dissipation rate increased significantly from 32.11% (baseline) to 63.49% (composite) at the end sill. Furthermore, the structure reduced comprehensive turbulence intensity by 17.8% and floor slab impact stress by 23.4%. These findings validate the composite system as a sustainable solution for high-head dams in constrained settings, offering benefits for riverbed protection and structural durability.