Numerical simulation of hydraulic structures is an important step in their design and evaluation processes. However, the traditional modeling and meshing patterns of complex structures are complicated and time-consuming. The big gap between the design and the analysis model directly affects the accuracy and efficiency of the solution obtained by finite element analysis(FEA). As a new numerical method, isogeometric analysis(IGA)could integrate pre-processing and analysis processes and has advantages in modeling and analysis. Based on IGA, a new method for numerical simulation of hydraulic structure was developed. A RCC gravity dam model was chosen and the corresponding multi-patch model was built. The simulation results of IGA and FEA were made a contrast from the point of view of accuracy and efficiency. The results show that IGA method could contribute to simple modeling processes, more accurate solutions, faster convergence speed and higher simulation efficiency. It would provide a new and valid method for numerical simulation analysis of complex hydraulic structures. © 2018, China Water Power Press. All right reserved.
