Acoustic doppler velocity profiler for velocity and turbulence measurements in a large amplitude meandering flume

Flow over deformed bed of a meandering laboratory channel is experimentally investigated. The velocity components have been obtained using an Ultrasonic Doppler Profiler (DOP2000) that measures the instantaneous flow velocity profile along the probe direction. In this work, some results obtained in peculiar sections along the channel are reported. A refined mesh of the measurement points has been used for each considered cross-section. The analysis of the collected data essentially confirms that when the aspect ratio is small the secondary circulation assumes great importance and, in accordance with previous findings, a second counter-rotating secondary circulation cell appears near the fre…

Analisi sperimentale delle caratteristiche cinematiche della corrente in un canale meandriforme di elevata ampiezza: primi risultati

Experimental analysis of cross-sectional flow motion in a large amplitude meandering bend

Flow in meandering bends is characterized by the formation of a large cross-sectional central-region circulation cell. The width-to-depth ratio is one of the most important parameters affecting the entity of the cross-circulation motion. In steep outside bends, beside the central-region cell, a counter-rotating circulation cell often forms in the upper part of the outer-bank. In spite of its practical importance, the evolving mechanisms of both the circulation cells and their role on boundary shear stress distribution in bends are not yet fully understood. The aim of the present paper is to gain some insight into how cross-sectional flow motion evolves along meandering bends. Experiments ha…

Circulation motion in the apex section of a large amplitude meandering flume

Experimental investigation of the evolution of secondary motion in a large amplitude meandering flume

The development of secondary motion along open-channel bends strongly affects the bed deformation and the channel plane evolution. Recent experimental results obtained at the apex section of a large amplitude meandering flume have confirmed that besides the main central circulation cell a second counter-rotating cell develops near the free surface of the outer bank. In the light of such results, in this work the attention is devoted to the analysis of the evolution of the observed secondary motion along whole bend. The analysis is conducted on the basis of flow velocity data collected in five transversal sections along half wave-length of the same large amplitude meandering flume.