Wall Similarity in Turbulent Open-Channel Flow
Publication: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 125, Issue 7
Abstract
The present work demonstrates that the assumption of wall similarity in the equilibrium region of open channels leads to the definition of a constant, universal value for the normalized vertical flux of turbulent kinetic energy irrespective of wall roughness. Moreover, by additionally assuming a gradient-flux model for the turbulent kinetic energy, its bed-normal distribution is easily estimated by an expression with parameters that rely on a physical basis. Turbulence measurements performed in smooth-, transitionally rough-, and fully rough-bed (sandgrain) open channels confirm this hypothesis, providing at the same time an alternative way of determining the lower and upper limits of the intermediate region. Finally, based upon wall-similarity assumptions, a new methodology is proposed for estimating mean bed-shear velocities (stresses) in free-surface flows at high local and global Reynolds numbers, irrespective of roughness condition at the bed.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 125 • Issue 7 • July 1999
Pages: 789 - 796
History
Received: Mar 28, 1997
Published online: Jul 1, 1999
Published in print: Jul 1999
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