Depth-Averaged Velocity Distribution in a Meandering Compound Channel using Calibrating Coefficients

Abstract

In this paper, a new method for predicting lateral depth-averaged velocity distribution in a meandering compound channel is proposed. Experiments were conducted in Hydraulic Laboratory in National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha, India to study the boundary shear stress in the bend apex. The meander cross-section is divided into several panels to study the flow phenomena on both the main channel and floodplain. It can be inferred from the study that the secondary flow coefficient (K) is significantly affected by the boundary shear stress. The new model provides the lateral distribution of depth-averaged velocity,𝑈𝑈𝑑𝑑 for the meandering compound channel which includes the bed-generated friction, lateral shear turbulence and secondary flows.