Turbulent flow simulations in a simplified channel bend model of Dragon style rivers with constant curvature and different single-short-branch characteristics

Abstract

This study investigates the turbulent flows in simplified Dragon style river channels with a constant critical curvature and different single-short-branch characteristics, using an effective numerical method based on real geometry statistics. First, when the branch outlet is closed, in the main channel, strong bed shear stresses are concentrated at the inner bend apex and downstream; as the branch widens, more flow enters the branch, reducing the downstream velocities, increasing the helical flow strength (I) and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE); however, when the branch radius is about 3.5 times the main channel width, the opposite occurs. Second, in this non-free-flowing branch, upstream of a critical section, the cross-sectional I and TKE increase with increasing width, but both decrease with increasing radius or decreasing orientation angle (relative to the direction tangent to the main channel). Third, when the branch outlet is open, in the main channel, the bifurcation location primarily affects the main channel flow, moving it upstream creates a more regular low-velocity zone and recirculation zone, and lower shear stresses downstream, and meanwhile, the cross-sectional I, TKE, and shear stresses decrease upstream but increase downstream of the bifurcation location, respectively. Finally, in this free-flowing branch, shear stresses occupy the inner branch; the recirculation zone grows with increasing branch width, reaches a maximum around a relative branch radius of 3.0 (scaled with main-channel width), and disappears at a branch orientation angle of about 67°; both the cross-sectional I and TKE become negative, and the graphical cross-sectional I (along the flow direction) curves downward with increasing width, upward with increasing radius, and straightens with decreasing orientation angle. Findings provide fundamental conditions for harmonious vegetative integration and gradual development of Dragon style river regulation patterns, especially to mitigate crises like the ‘suspended river’ issues in the lower Yellow River.

KEYWORDS:

• Dragon style river
• simplified channel bend model
• turbulent flow simulation
• critical main-channel curvature
• different single-short-branch
• suspended river issue

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the [Open Research Fund of Key Laboratory of Hydro-Sediment Science and River Training, the Ministry of Water Resources, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research] under Grant [number IWHR-JH-2020-A-02] and the [National Natural Science Foundation of China] under Grant [numbers 51879182, 51979185, 52009145].