Hydraulics of Shallow and Stratified Mixing Channel

Abstract

The properties of buoyant and dense discharges in a horizontal mixing channel are evaluated analytically and experimentally. The mixing channel is shallow, of specified length and roughness, and connected to a reservoir or stream. The flow in the channel consists of a mixing zone and a gradually varied counterflow. Mixing modes associated with four possible interactions are described. A hydraulic theory is formulated and used to develop synthesized dilution curves. Experiments conducted in a laboratory flume confirmed the existence of four mixing modes, and dilution measurements are consistent with predicted trends. In practice, the theory would be useful in the design and operation of such a facility.