Experimental Observations of Flow and Bed Processes in Large-Amplitude Meandering Flume
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 135, Issue 7
Abstract
Meanders of large amplitude often exhibit asymmetric planform shape or subsidiary bends. The present work is aimed at improving on understanding of the morphodynamic phenomena affecting the bed evolution of large amplitude meandering channels. Attention is focused on the development of the steady point bar-pool configuration and of the superimposed large-scale migrating bed forms; of particular interest is the role of the changing channel curvature and bed topography variation on flow pattern. A series of experiments was carried out in a sine-generated large-amplitude meandering flume, for two values of width-to-depth ratio. Maps documenting the bed topography and the flow pattern along the meandering bends are reported. Two point bars per bend were observed and seem to be part of a series of damped oscillations developing in response to the changing channel curvature. In response to the bed deformation, the maximum flow velocity moves at the outer bank at the entrance of the bend.
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Acknowledgments
The writer expresses his thanks and deep gratitude to Professor M. S. Yalin, emeritus professor of Civil Engineering of Queen’s University (Kingston-Canada), who was always an enthusiastic source of inspiration and suggestions from the beginning of my scientific activity in this field of research.
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 135 • Issue 7 • July 2009
Pages: 575 - 587
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Mar 5, 2007
Accepted: Jan 9, 2009
Published online: Feb 11, 2009
Published in print: Jul 2009
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