Flow and Bed Topography in Curved Open Channels

Mean flow characteristics and bed shear distributions in uniformly curved open channels have been studied theoretically, and the results are compared with experiments and field observations. Next, an equation which expresses the variation of transverse bed profile is derived by considering an equilibrium of forces acting on a sand particle. It is shown that the magnitude of the secondary flow and the transverse bed slope determine the direction of sand movement. The numerical solution of the bed variation with time are compared with experiments, and it is concluded that the model employed here describes the bed variation fairly well. The stable profile of the bed is obtained analytically, and from this result the maximum depth of scour which occurs at the outer banks is calculated.