Segmental Hydraulic Similarity in One‐Dimensional Retarding Flow

It is explained that the concept of segmental similarity can be used to effectively overcome space-related problems encountered in laboratories. Particular reference is made to modeling of long stretches of rivers and reservoirs governed by predominantly one-dimensional flow with noncohesive sediment deposition. The relevant similarity criteria are developed by integrating the basic gradually varied flow equation. By means of wide-range numerical calculations and limited data obtained from flume experiments, it is verified that segmental similarity can be established for flow and noncohesive sediment deposition based solely upon the flow and sediment Froude numbers defined under the uniform river flow conditions. Hence, it is proposed, that a relatively short laboratory flume can be used quite effectively in physically simulating a long reservoir in segments by sequentially varying the flow and sediment conditions at the entrance and exit sections of the flume.