Shear stress estimation in the linear zone over impermeable and permeable beds in open channels

Abstract

This paper investigates the shear stresses in the linear zone of open channel flows with permeable and impermeable bed. The permeable bed is simulated using a flexible vegetation of 2 cm thickness. Laboratory experiments were used for the calculation of the turbulent velocity profiles. The measurements were obtained using a two-dimensional (2D) particle image velocimetry (PIV). This optical method of fluid visualization is used to obtain instantaneous velocity measurements related properties in the fluids. The PIV method assumes that the particles of a fluid faithfully follow the flow dynamics; hence the motion of these seeding particles is used to calculate the dynamic characteristics of the flow. The measurements were conducted at a 12 × 10 cm2 region located 4 m away from the channel’s entrance, where the flow is considered fully developed. The uniformity of the flow was checked measuring the flow depth at two cross-sections (2 m distance between the two regions). The total discharge was estimated using a calibrated venture apparatus. Measurements of velocity were taken for the horizontal channel slope. Results showed that the type of bed can significantly influence the shear stress definition in the linear zone.