Turbulence Prediction in Open Channel Flow

An analytical model for predicting turbulent intensities of velocity for the streamwise and cross-streamwise directions in open channel flow was derived. Due to the random nature of turbulence, a probabilistic approach to the problem is required. A Gaussian distribution was assumed to describe the turbulent fluctuating velocities. From this basic condition, a three-parameter model was derived to predict the root-mean-square (rms) values of turbulence for the vertical and longitudinal directions. Values calculated from the mathematical model were compared to experimentally obtained data using hot-film anemometry techniques, and excellent agreement existed for both components of rms.