Analytical solution of velocity distribution for flow through submerged large deflection flexible vegetation

Abstract

An analytical solution for predicting the vertical distribution of streamwise mean velocity in an open channel flow with submerged flexible vegetation is proposed when large bending occurs. The flow regime is separated into two horizontal layers: a vegetation layer and a free water layer. In the vegetation layer, a mechanical analysis for the flexible vegetation is conducted, and an approximately linear relationship between the drag force of bending vegetation and the streamwise mean flow velocity is observed in the case of large deflection, which differes significantly from the case of rigid upright vegetation. Based on the theoretical analysis, a linear streamwise drag force-mean flow velocity expression in the momentum equation is derived, and an analytical solution is obtained. For the free water layer, a new expression is presented, replacing the traditional logarithmic velocity distribution, to obtain a zero velocity gradient at the water surface. Finally, the analytical predictions are compared with published experimental data, and the good agreement demonstrates that this model is effective for the open channel flow through the large deflection flexible vegetation.