Effects of Streamwise Ridges on Hydraulic Resistance in Open-Channel Flows

Abstract

This Technical Note reports on new experiments focused on hydraulic resistance in open-channel flows over beds covered with streamwise ridges. Extensive bulk friction factor measurements, combined with particle image velocimetry (PIV) for selected cases, were carried out to investigate the effects of spanwise spacing, relative submergence, and surface roughness of the ridges. Two types of ridges were investigated, both characterized by triangular cross sections but featuring different surface roughness. Compared to friction factor estimates neglecting any changes in flow structure promoted by the ridges, the measured friction factors were found to be higher by 10% at ridge spacings of approximately 1.6H and lower by up to 20% at spacings smaller than 0.7H (H is flow depth). No influence of relative submergence and ridge surface roughness on these findings was observed. The PIV data suggest that the revealed effects are likely related to secondary currents instigated and modulated by the bed ridges.