Turbulent Structures in Unsteady Open-Channel Flows

Abstract

Turbulence measurements over a smooth wall in unsteady open-channel flows were conducted accurately by the simultaneous use of a two-component LDA system and water-wave gauges. The “ general ” log-law distributions, in which the von Karman constant is a universal one of χ=0.41 but the integration constant A is a function of main-flow conditions, were obeyed well in the wall region for both the rising and falling stages of flood. On the other hand, the log-wake law was reasonably applied to the outer region including the depth-varying zone. The Coles' wake parameter Π increased for the rising stage, whereas it decreased for the falling stage. The turbulence is stronger for the rising stage than for the falling stage, except for very near the free surface. These unsteady characteristics in open-channel flows with variation of the water surface are quite different from those in closed duct flows. Of particular significance is the findings counterclockwise loops of velocity and turbulence against the varying depth in unsteady open-channel flows.