Distribution of Depth-Averaged Velocity along a Highly Sinuous Channel

Abstract

Precise measurement of depth-averaged velocity is essential for governing the total discharge in an open channel. In this paper, an experimental investigation has been carried out to compute depth-averaged velocity at different cross-sections along a meandering path. The meander path is divided into 13 sections, ranging from one bend apex to the next bend apex. The meander path changes its course at the cross-over section. Bend apex is the section at which maximum curvature of the meander path occurs while cross-over represents the section at which the sinuous channel straightens and changes course. Depth-averaged velocity is considered to be the average velocity at any vertical section of a channel cross-section. The occurrence of this velocity is generally trusted to be found at 0.4H from the bed of the channel. H is the flow depth of water at the particular section. In this paper the depth averaged velocity is explored at different sections throughout the meander path. The study also assists in understanding the movement of localized maximum averaged velocity while traversing along a meander path. These investigations aid in researches in the field of sediment transport and depositional patterns, bank protection, navigation, etc.

Variation of Velocity Distribution in Rough Meandering Channels

“…Considerable research on various aspects of velocity distribution in curved meandering rivers has been carried out, but no systematic effort has been made to analyze the variation of velocity profile along a meander path [1]. Flow characteristics and velocity distributions in meandering rivers are essential issues to be investigated in the field of river hydraulics from a practical point of view in relation to the bank protection, navigation, water intakes, and sediment transport-depositional patterns.…”

The Effect of Cylindrical and Triangular Pillars on Changes in Water Levels at Channel Bends

“…The triangular pillar produced a higher maximum water height on the outer side of the bend than the cylindrical pillar. This was because of the velocity distribution at the cross-section when the maximum straight flow occurred in the middle of the flow [5,[17][18]. The side of the triangle steered the flow, so the water on the outer side was higher after passing by the pillar.…”

Sinuosity-Driven Water Pressure Distribution on Slope of Slightly-Curved Riparian Zone: Analytical Solution Based on Small-disturbance Theory and Comparison to Experiments

“…For instance, aided by an exaggerated superelevation near the bend apex of a curved riparian zone, a turbidity current may split [2][3][4][5][6], and hyporheic exchange occurs over a wide range of topography scales of meandering riparian zones [7][8][9][10]. It is evident that these flow patterns are much more complicated than those in straight rivers [11][12][13][14]. These complicated flow patterns due to a curved riparian zone have a great effect on erosion, sediment, pollutant transport, and surface-ground water exchange in rivers [11,15] and play a significant role in determining qualities of habitat and environment.…”

“…These complicated flow patterns due to a curved riparian zone have a great effect on erosion, sediment, pollutant transport, and surface-ground water exchange in rivers [11,15] and play a significant role in determining qualities of habitat and environment. Because of these, curved riparian zones have been the focus on the preservation of river ecology, the design of river restoration works and have even become central to river restoration plans [14,16]. In the past three decades, many studies on various aspects of curved channel flow have been conducted, leading to considerable advances in the understanding of flow mechanism in curved rivers.…”

“…This is because there is insufficient knowledge regarding the process of near-bank pressure variations induced by bank morphology [18,19]. Despite substantial research on various aspects of the velocity distribution in curved meandering rivers, no systematic effort has been made to analyze the variation of the pressure profile along a meander path [14]. Thus, the proper simulation and prediction of the near-bank pressure field will facilitate the further study on the lateral hyporheic exchange, contaminant transport, and the circulation of ecologically relevant substances between rivers and riparian zones [20].…”