Smooth Open Channel with Increasing Aspect Ratio: Influence on Secondary Flow

A high-resolution particle image velocitmetry system is used to investigate the relationship between secondary flow and aspect ratio in a straight channel. Considering the symmetry of open channel flow, the flow parameters in half of the flume are measured. Since the variation of the aspect ratio has a direct impact on the intensity and structure of secondary flows, this study was conducted in a smooth open channel to study the influence of aspect ratio on the structure and strength of secondary flows with aspect ratio change from 3 to 7.5 under supercritical flow condition. Profiles and contour-maps of time-averaged stream-wise and vertical velocities were acquired using precise measuring instruments. The results show that there are several secondary flow cells in the cross section, and their structure affects the velocity distribution and energy distribution, which makes the velocity distribution deviate from the traditional logarithmic distribution, and the maximum velocity occur below the surface. The flow intensity of secondary flows is different under different aspect ratios. Results show great agreement with classical theory.