Velocity distribution in decelerating flow over rough surfaces

Abstract

An experimental program was undertaken to study turbulent boundary layers formed in decelerating open channel flows. The flows over a smooth surface and three rough surfaces were examined. Tests were conducted at a subcritical Froude number (~0.2) and varying depth Reynolds numbers (64 000 < Red < 88 000). The corresponding momentum thickness Reynolds numbers were small (1000 < Reθ < 2100). The velocity measurements were undertaken using a one-component laser-Doppler anemometer. Variables such as the shear velocity, the longitudinal mean velocity, Coles' wake parameter, and Clauser's shape parameter were examined. Three different methods for determining the friction velocity were investigated for use in sloping channels. The inner region of the boundary layer was found not to be influenced by the channel slope. The log-law slope and intercept were found to be the same as that noted for canonical boundary layers. The skin friction coefficient for the sloping smooth surface tests was found to be slightly higher than that noticed for flow over a horizontal surface. As indicated by the wake parameter, the free surface, the channel slope, and the roughness of the channel affected the outer region of the boundary layer.Key words: decelerating flow, open channel, log-law, friction velocity, power law.