Turbulent Flow Structure in a Confluence: Influence of Tributaries Width and Discharge Ratios

Abstract

River channel confluences are rather important interfaces where intense changes in physical, mixing and sediment transport processes occur. Following an experimental campaign, the main flow mechanisms in confluences and the development of the shear layer formed between the two tributary flows are presented. As the experimental flow cases comprised changes in the flow discharge and channel widths of the tributaries, the influence of width and discharge ratios on the turbulent flow structure and shear layer is also evaluated. Main findings indicate that changes in the difference between momentum ratio in the tributaries have a significant effect on the magnitude and location of flow mechanisms.