| Abstract: | Based on the steady hydrodynamic equations, a multilayer (ML) model has been formulated for simulating turbulent flow in open channels. The model is imposed on a general curvilinear co-ordinate system with non-staggered finite volume discretization. The turbulent quantities in the model are described by the layer-averaged K-ε turbulence model with standard coefficients. Assuming a vertical hydrostatic pressure distribution, a depth correction scheme, originating in the Rhie and Chow approach for confined flows, is incorporated into the SIMPLE procedure to compute the water surface. Using the multilayer model, flows in a 180° channel bend, near a groin, and in straight open channels are computed. The results are compared with experimental data and with calculations of a depth-averaged model (DAV) having three-dimensional effect corrections. The comparisons show that the predictions of the ML model on mean flow values are in good agreement with the available data and are better than those of the DAV model. The vertical distribution of the turbulent energy dissipation rate is also shown to agree well with the open-channel measurements. |
