3D computational modeling of stream flow resistance due to large woody debris

Yuncheng Xu, Xiaofeng Liu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The study of Large Woody Debris (LWD) is very important in the stream restoration practice. Due to the effects of the irregular geometry of LWD and bathymetry, the stream flow around LWD is complex and turbulent. This paper presents a numerical model to deal with the turbulent flow around LWD with complex geometry, and calculates the flow resistance due to LWD in the streams, with the aim to quantify the momentum extraction from the main flow. In order to simplify the case, the LWD used in this study is made of small trees without leaves manufactured by 3D printing technique. They are placed in a small flume, mimicking the LWD in real stream with an approximately rectangular cross-section. In the computational model, free surface is captured due to its importance when the LWD is partially submerged. The simulated free surface is comparable with the surface elevation data measured by a point gauge in the flume. The drag force due to the tree is calculated by the integral of stress as well as the 1D momentum equation for different LWD angles. The velocity coefficient and the water depth coefficient are used to correct and improve the estimation. The comparison between these two methods suggests there might be substantial error in force when the LWD has complex geometry. The simulation results also indicate that the trees with angles to streamwise larger than 45° cause high velocity in nearbank region downstream, while smaller angles result in large slow flow regions in the wake.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationRiver Flow - Proceedings of the International Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, RIVER FLOW 2016
EditorsGeorge Constantinescu, Marcelo Garcia, Dan Hanes
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages2346-2353
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781138029132
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventInternational Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, RIVER FLOW 2016 - St. Louis, United States
Duration: Jul 11 2016Jul 14 2016

Publication series

NameRiver Flow - Proceedings of the International Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, RIVER FLOW 2016

Other

OtherInternational Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, RIVER FLOW 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySt. Louis
Period7/11/167/14/16

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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