Momentum Exchange in Straight Uniform Compound Channel Flow

Abstract

Transverse exchange of momentum between the channel and the floodplain in straight uniform compound channel flow is considered in this paper. This process results in the so-called “kinematic effect,” a lowering of the total discharge capacity of a compound channel compared to the case where the channel and the floodplain are considered separately. The mechanisms responsible for the momentum exchange are considered. The transverse shear stress in the mixing region is modeled using a newly developed effective eddy viscosity concept, that contains: (1) the effects of horizontal coherent structures moving on an uneven bottom, taking compression and stretching of the vortices into account and (2) the effects of the three-dimensional bottom turbulence. The model gives a good prediction of the transverse profiles of the streamwise velocity and the transverse shear stress of the flood channel facility experiments. Characteristic features of the lateral profile of the eddy viscosity are also well predicted qualitatively, but in a quantitative sense there is room for improvement. Secondary circulations are shown to be of minor importance in straight uniform compound channel flows.