Abstract: Curved slit-type flip bucket is a typical trajectory energy dissipator invented in China. This article
presents a comparison of this slit-bucket with a traditional straight-wall slit-type flip bucket, including an
analysis on their structures and forces. Results show that it is characterized by lower sidewall height, higher
energy dissipation efficiency, weaker pressure pulsation, and better structure stability. A hydraulic model has
been tested for the design of Maerdang hydropower station that is featured with high water head, great flow
velocity, shallow downstream tail water depth, and centralized arrangement of flood discharge structures.
Using the data of scale model tests, we made a comparative analysis on the curved slit-bucket, tongue-type
flip bucket, oblique flip bucket, and straight-wall slit-bucket. This analysis confirms that curved slit-bucket
has advantages in appropriate nappe-plunging location, full diffusion of nappes longitudinally and
transversely, shallower scour pit, and less influence of riverbed deposition on the tail water of power
generation. Thus, it is a suitable energy dissipator for Maerdang hydropower station of dam height over
200m.