A three-dimensional numerical study of flow characteristics in strongly curved channel bends with different side slopes

The influence of channel side slope on flow in strongly curved channel bends is studied numerically. The performances of five different turbulence models are investigated. Comparison to experimental measurements demonstrates that the fully 3D numerical model can reliably simulate a channel bend flow field. Among the tested turbulence models, the realizable k - epsilon model performed best. The present study also demonstrates that the realizable k - epsilon model can satisfactorily predict smaller flow features in bend flow, such as the outer-bank circulation cell. The validated model is employed to carry out additional computations for channel bends with different side slopes. It is found that the number, position, and strength of secondary flow cells varies with the channel side slope, with corresponding influence on flow distribution and flow vorticity.