Abstract Ice processes in open channels are inherently multi‐physics phenomena, characterized by strong coupling of hydrodynamics, heat transfer, and phase‐change dynamics. While many models have been proposed to investigate ice processes, previous studies are often limited by oversimplified representations of flow, presumptions on channel geometry, and inadequate treatment of thermal and phase‐change interactions. This paper presents a double layer‐averaged mathematical model for solving coupled hydro‐ice‐thermal dynamics in open channels with complex cross‐sectional geometries. The model explicitly resolves mass, momentum, and heat exchanges between an upper ice‐water mixture layer and a lower clear‐water layer, enabling simulation of phase‐change processes and temperature evolution. The model is benchmarked against laboratory and field data, demonstrating satisfactory agreement with observed ice growth, decay, thermal profiles, and stage hydrographs. Application to a water diversion canal illustrates the model's capability to predict coupled hydro‐thermal ice evolution and its response to varied environmental and operational conditions. This modeling framework offers a promising tool for simulating ice processes in open channels under varying hydraulic and thermal conditions.
Wang et al. (Fri,) studied this question.