2D Modeling of Heterogeneous Dispersion in Meandering Channels

• Published in: Journal of hydraulic engineering (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 134; no. 2; pp. 196 - 204
• Main Authors: Seo, Il Won, Lee, Myung Eun, Baek, Kyong Oh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 01.02.2008
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Computation methods. Tables. Charts; Exact sciences and technology; Hydraulic constructions; Structural analysis. Stresses; TECHNICAL PAPERS; Hydraulics; Mass transport; Meandering streams; Experimental device; Two dimensional model; Experimental study; Modeling; Dispersion; Mass transfer; Meander; Experimental result; Numerical simulation; Stream; Numerical models; Transport; Currents; Current
• ISSN: 0733-9429; 1943-7900
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2008)134:2(196)

Two types of dispersion coefficient tensor for meandering channels were examined. The first type was estimated using measured vertical velocity profile in an S-curved channel, and the second type was based on the depth-averaged velocity field. A Petrov-Galerkin type finite element scheme was used in the numerical modeling, and the simulation results were compared with the experimental results from tracer tests in an S-curved channel. Comparison of the results show that the dispersion coefficient tensor obtained directly from velocity profiles provided a more realistic solution that can describe the abrupt expansion of tracer clouds in the transverse direction. Heterogeneous longitudinal and transverse dispersion coefficients were inversely estimated from the calculated dispersion coefficient tensor based on the velocity profiles. Extremely large transverse dispersion coefficients were formed at the apex of the channel bend, where there was a well-developed secondary current. The dimensionless transverse dispersion coefficient ( DT ∕ hu* ) in the apex of the bend ranges from 0.495 to 2.60, which is about four times larger than that of the straight region.