Author(s): M. S. Yalin; A. M. Ferreira; Da Silva
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Keywords: Sine-generated channels; Vertically-averaged flow; Variationalapproach
Abstract: This paper concerns the determination of the vertically-averaged flow in a sine-generated meandering channel; the geometry of the bed surface is specified. In contrast to previous theoretical works, the local resistance factor of the meandering flow is treated as an unknown function. Accordingly, it is suggested that in addition to the two (longitudinal and radial) equations of motion and the equation of continuity, a fourth equation is needed to reveal the vertically-averaged meandering flow. In this paper, a fourth (variational) equation is derived based on the assumption that the free surface is shaped by nature in such a way as to render its variation (in any direction) to occur in the “smoothest” possible manner. Finally, a comparison between results of the present variational equation and experimental measurements is provided.
Year: 2001