Author(s): P. Prinos
Linked Author(s): Panagiotis Prinos
Keywords:
Abstract: The motion of horizontal, two-dimensional gravity currents over obstacles is studied experimentally for various relative obstacle heights (the ratio of obstacle height over opening height is between 0. 25 and 1. 0), obstacle geometries (semicircular and triangular) and relative opening heights (the ratio of total flow depth over the opening height is between 1. 5 and 3). The density difference between saline and fresh water is 0. 25% and 0. 75% . Also, the effect of the obstacle position (distance from the gate) on the gravity current motion is considered. The experimental incoming flow conditions as well as the proportion of the incoming flux which continues over the obstacle are compared with empirical expressions and theoretical considerations of other investigators (Lane-Serff et al, 1995). The relative obstacle height is found to affect considerably the front velocity of the current and the proportion of the mass which overcomes the obstacle. In contrary, the geometry of the obstacle is found to have a little effect on the previously mentioned current characteristics.
Year: 1999