Computation of Momentum Transfer Coefficient and Conveyance Capacity in Asymmetric Compound Channel

Abstract

The momentum transfer phenomenon plays a significant role in complex flow structure in compound channel. It mainly depends upon apparent shear stress at a vertical interface between the main channel and the adjoining floodplains, discharge capacity, and the velocity difference. In the present study, experiments were performed in the asymmetric compound channel to investigate the effect of roughness in floodplain on apparent shear stress distribution and momentum transfer coefficient. The apparent shear stress distribution was calculated using modified equations and momentum coefficient was achieved using Wang–Yang relationship. Furthermore, the conveyance capacity of the asymmetric compound channel was calculated by different 1-D approaches, and it was found that Debord gave minimum root-mean-square error and its values were found to be closest to the actual discharges.