Open-channel waves generated by propagation of a discontinuous wave over a bottom step

Abstract

This paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies of open-channel waves generated by the propagation of a discontinuous dam-break wave over a bottom step. The cases where the initial tailwater level is higher than the step height (the step is under water) and where this value is smaller than the step height (at the initial time, water is absent on the step) are considered. Exact solutions are constructed using modified first-approximation equations of shallow-water theory, which admit the propagation of discontinuous waves in a dry channel. On the stationary hydraulic jump formed above the bottom step, the total free-stream energy is assumed to be conserved. These solutions agree with experimental data on various parameters (types of waves, wave propagation velocity, asymptotic depths behind the wave fronts).