The interaction between circular piers and turbulent open-channel flow generates complex three-dimensional structures, including horseshoe vortices at the pier base and wake vortices downstream. These structures increase vertical velocities, pressure fluctuations, and shear stresses, contributing to erosion and structural instability. Although these phenomena have been widely studied, limited attention has been given to surface geometric modifications as a flow-control strategy. This study employs Large Eddy Simulation (LES) to evaluate the influence of a hexagonal dimple pattern on circular piles in a free-surface channel. The dimples were defined by varying diameter, depth, and spacing to reduce vertical velocity and alter vortex formation. The computational domain represents a 0.40 m wide, 12 m long, and 1.2 m high rectangular channel, with an inlet mass flow of 9.4 kg/s and 0.10 m water depth. Model validation against particle image velocimetry (PIV) data showed 99% correlation, confirming numerical accuracy. Results demonstrate that textured surfaces modify flow dynamics by enhancing kinetic energy dissipation and generating micro-vortices that weaken dominant structures. The optimal configuration (6 mm diameter, 2 mm depth, 1 mm spacing) reduced downward vertical velocity by 42% and wake vortex shedding frequency by 24%, indicating improved hydraulic stability and erosion mitigation potential.
Álvarez-Mejia et al. (Sat,) studied this question.