Continuous formulation for bottom friction in free surface flows modelling

Abstract

Bottom friction modelling is an important step in river flows computation with 1D or 2D solvers. It is usually performed using empirical laws established for uniform flow conditions or a modern approach based on turbulence analysis. Following the definition of the flow validity field of the main friction laws proposed in the literature, an original continuous formulation has been developed. It is suited to model river flows with a wide range of properties (water depth, discharge, roughness?). The efficiency of this new formulation, theoretically established and numerically adjusted, is demonstrated through various practical applications. © 2009 WIT Press.