TECHNICAL PAPERS
Apr 1, 2002

Maximum Velocity and Regularities in Open-Channel Flow

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Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 128, Issue 4

Abstract

Maximum velocity in a channel section often occurs below the water surface. Its location is linked to the ratio of the mean and maximum velocities, velocity distribution parameter, location of mean velocity, energy and momentum coefficients, and probability density function underpinning a velocity distribution equation derived by applying the probability and entropy concepts. The mean value of the ratio of the mean and maximum velocities at a given channel section is stable and constant, and invariant with time and discharge. Its relationship with the others in turn leads to formation of a network of related constants that represent regularities in open-channel flows and can be used to ease discharge measurements and other tasks in hydraulic engineering. Under the probability concept, the ratio of mean and maximum velocities being constant means that the probability distribution underpinning the velocity distribution and other related variables is resilient, and that the same probability distribution is governing various phenomena observable at a channel section and explains the regularities in open-channel flows.

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Go to Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 128Issue 4April 2002
Pages: 390 - 398

History

Received: Feb 22, 2001
Accepted: Aug 14, 2001
Published online: Apr 1, 2002
Published in print: Apr 2002

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Authors

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Chao-Lin Chiu, M.ASCE
Professor of Civil Engineering, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.
Ning-Chien Tung
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Ching Yun Institute of Technology, Jungli, Taiwan.

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