Author(s): Maria Rita Maggi; Claudia Adduce; Maria Eletta Negretti
Linked Author(s): Claudia Adduce
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Lock-exchange gravity currents experiments are performed to characterize the influence of bottom roughness elements on the dense flow through Particle Image Velocimetry. The main parameter varied is the relative height of the roughness elements, realized with square bricks, to the gravity current depth. The analysis performed of the instantaneous velocity fields highlights how the drag force induced by the roughness changes significantly the current dynamics. The front velocity and the inner streamwise velocity are reduced as the height of the bottom roughness increases. Furthermore, recirculation areas developing among the background elements are observed during the current propagation.
Year: 2022