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Jan 1, 2002

Open Channel Flow Resistance

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Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 128, Issue 1

Abstract

In 1965, Rouse critically reviewed hydraulic resistance in open channels on the basis of fluid mechanics. He pointed out the effects of cross-sectional shape, boundary nonuniformity, and flow unsteadiness, in addition to viscosity and wall roughness that are commonly considered. This paper extends that study by discussing the differences between momentum and energy resistances, between point, cross-sectional and reach resistance coefficients, as well as compound/composite channel resistance. Certain resistance phenomena can be explained with the inner and outer laws of boundary layer theory. The issue of linear-separation approach versus nonlinear approach to alluvial channel resistances also is discussed. This review indicates the need for extensive further research on the subject.

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Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 128Issue 1January 2002
Pages: 20 - 39

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Received: Apr 3, 2001
Accepted: Jun 6, 2001
Published online: Jan 1, 2002
Published in print: Jan 2002

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Ben Chie Yen, F.ASCE
Professor, V. T. Chow Hydrosystems Lab., Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, 205 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.

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