Computation of uniform flow in open channels with flood plains

For the computation of flow characteristics in open channels with flood plains, two-dimensional depth-averaged mathematical models have been used in the past. In the present study, the depth-averaged version of k–e model including the term that accounts for the effect of the submerged vertical or steep boundaries on the flow characteristics in the momentum equation is presented. It is observed that inclusion of this term plays an important role in the distribution of the computed eddy viscosity in the interaction region between the flood plain and the main channel. The model is validated using the experimental data from earlier investigators. Key words: open channels, flood plains, two-dimensional depth-averaged model, uniform flow, k–e turbulence model.