Quantifying flow and velocity distributions in open channels with varied roughness and slopes: a modelling approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT Understanding flow and velocity distributions in open channels is important for designing various hydraulic structures. This study focuses on modeling the flow and velocity distributions along with different open channel roughness (steel and concrete) and slopes from 0.0–4.7%, using an ultrasonic flowmeter and 3D scanner. Comprehensive Kriging and Linear Regression Models were developed to simulate flow behavior, considering the effects of surface roughness and channel slope. The models utilized appropriate boundary conditions by varying the roughness values. The concrete channel had an average centreline flow and velocity of 0.21 m3/s and 0.64 m/s, respectively, while the average flow and velocity for the steel channel was 0.33 m3/s and 0.97 m/s, respectively. The model’s accuracy and reliability were assessed by Pearson correlation and standard error of the estimate (SEE). According to the Pearson correlation, there is a significant relationship between the slope and flow on steel and concrete, with an average r equal to 0.75. The standard error of the estimates between observed and measured velocity and flow were 0.164 and 0.001, respectively.