Analytical Model for Stage-Discharge Prediction in Rectangular Ice-Covered Channels

Abstract

This paper develops an analytical model to predict the stage-discharge relationship for flow in rectangular ice-covered channels. The flow cross section are divided into three subsections on the basis of hydraulic radius separation theory. Based on the determination of flow characteristics, such as hydraulic radius, subsection area, and mean velocity within each flow subsection, an analytical model for discharge assessment in a rectangular ice-covered channel is presented. Comparisons between the predicted results of the proposed model and the collected data from literature show that the proposed method does well in predicting the stage-discharge relationship in rectangular ice-covered channels. The effects of the main influencing parameters on the stage-discharge relationship are discussed and a simplified model is presented for stage-discharge prediction in wide ice-covered channels.