Calculation of Strongly Curved Open Channel Flow

The paper describes the application of a finite-difference calculation procedure to the problem of simulating the three-dimensional, turbulent flow in a strongly curved, open, 180° bend with straight inlet and outlet reaches. The configuration can be considered to represent an element of a model meander, and the work presented here forms an important stage in efforts to simulate the flow in successive reverse-curvature bends. No restrictions other than the absence of flow separation and hydraulic jumps are imposed. Full account is taken of non-linear fluid-inertia and of turbulent diffusion terms. Effects of turbulence are represented by an eddy viscosity related to two parameters— the turbulent kinetic energy k and its rate of dissipation ϵ— for which related differential transport equations are solved. Predictions are presented for the transverse surface slope and velocity field in a configuration experimentally examined by Rozovskii. Agreement between predictions and experimental data is judged to be satisfactory on all major flow phenomena.