Abstract
<jats:p>This paper investigates the hydrodynamic characteristics of dam-break flows using a three-dimensional numerical model based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. The simulation results cover the full development of a dam breach, from the initial breach to the flow stabilization stage. Key findings include the identification of three different flow phases, the prediction of maximum velocities up to 27.84 m/s, and the analy-sis of the water level equalization dynamics across a 3.5 km reservoir with initial water height of 17.5 m. The model exhibits good numerical stability with acceptable mass conservation, providing valuable insights for dam-safety assessment and emergency planning.</jats:p>