A non-horizontal multi-layer numerical model for the flow in natural rivers

A non-horizontal multi-layer element model is developed for the simulation for the flow in natural rivers. Either Cartesian coordinates or sigma coordinates will experience difficulties in dealing with the water surface and irregular bed topography of natural rivers. To create the surface-fitting and non-deformed cells, the newly developed model divides the water column into several layers with non-horizontal interfaces which are nearly parallel to the water surface. The irregular bed topography is also represented by the layered integration between non-horizontal interfaces. Two case studies for the flow in a straight channel and the flow in an S-shaped meander channel are conducted with good agreement between the numerical predictions and the analytical or experimental results. The model is further applied for the investigation of the flow in a 12-km-long and 3.46-m-drop reach of the Yangtze River with the water surface evaluation and the stream-wise velocity satisfactory accordance with the observed data.