Author(s): C. J. Apelt; Xie Qi

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Energy losses; Non-uniform; Open-channel; Turbulence

Abstract: The turbulent velocity field in a non-uniform open channel was measured with a LDV. The non-uniform channel was such that its width and bed level vary while its flow cross section area remains constant, without flow separation. The three components of the time-averaged velocity, the turbulence intensities and the Reynolds shear stresses were measured in the non-uniform channel and in a uniform channel upstream with fully developed flow with the same flow cross section area. As it passes from a wider, shallower section to a narrower, deeper section the flow responds as though it experiences contraction in horizontal planes and expansion in vertical planes, though the mean flow velocity remains constant and, vice versa, as it passes from the deeper narrower section to a wider shallower section. Turbulence intensities in the non-uniform channel show similar distribution patterns to those in the uniform channel but their magnitudes change as the channel shape changes.

DOI:

Year: 2011