Oblique flow over dredged channels. I: Flow description

A 3D investigation of how across long, straight channels aligned obliquely to the flow direction has been conducted. The applied mathematical model solves the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using a k-epsilon model for turbulence closure in a curvilinear coordinate system. The uniformity along the channel alignment allows the three momentum equations to be solved in a 2D computational domain. With respect to a steady current entering a channel obliquely, two important how features arise: (1) The flow will be refracted in the direction of the channel alignment, which may be described by depth-averaged models; and (2) a secondary flow will be introduced due to shear in the velocity profile. This can only be described using a 3D approach. The secondary flow will cause a horizontal deflection of streamlines over the vertical. Only by capturing the 3D flow behavior can the direction and magnitude of the bed shear stress be well modeled. When crossing a channel obliquely, the flow is gradually accelerated in the direction of the channel alignment. Results of the numerical flow model are compared with existing experimental data and good agreement is found.