Harmonic Function for 3D Warped Transition Geometry and Its Practical Use

Abstract

A transition is typically required in irrigation canals, laboratory flumes and many other waterways. The warped type transition (WTT) is the preferred link structure between a small rectangular and relatively large trapezoidal channel section. However, the best method of determining the WTT geometry still requires evaluation. This paper provides an analytical function for the three-dimensional (3D) WTT geometry. This was achieved by solving a Dirichlet problem for Laplace’s equation. The boundary conditions in the problem were chosen based on guidelines and recommendations from earlier studies of transitions. Solving the problem analytically yields a harmonic function. The geometry given by this function guarantees a streamlined rectangular-trapezoidal link and avoids sharp corners. The streamlined transition would work to reduce flow separation and head loss. This paper contributes to the development of a new method for fabricating WTT with precision and repeatability. The harmonic function can generate geometrical data as essential input for laboratory-scale and field-scale WTTs and can aid in the construction of a three-dimensional model for use in computational fluid dynamic models.