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EPSRC Reference: GR/R51865/01
Title: Spatially-Averaged Flow Over Rough Boundaries: A Means of Determining Fluid Friction from Surface Topography
Principal Investigator: McEwan, Dr I
Other Investigators:
Willetts, Professor B Pokrajac, Professor D
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
National Institute of Water and
Department: Engineering
Organisation: University of Aberdeen
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2001 Ends: 30 September 2005 Value (£): 236,357
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Coastal & Waterway Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Water
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Traditionally parameters such as Manning's n, friction factor and Chezy's coefficient have been used to represent friction losses in open channel flow. These are empirical parameters which account for the energy losses which arise due to the interaction of three-dimensional, non-uniform near-bed flow with the flow boundary. They do this adequately but are not designed or able to provide any further insight into the nature of the near-bed flow. Recent theoretical developments using spatially-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (Nikora et al., 2000) have led to a theoretical framework which provides a more rational basis for analysing such flows. This proposal seeks funds to conduct a programme of laborator experiments using Particle Image Velocimetry, designed to test a series of hypotheses concerning the influence of roughness type and relative depth on near-bed velocity distribution and turbulence distributions. One outcome of this will be a more rational method to derive roughness coefficients for predicting hydraulic resistance directly from bed topography. The work will progress from simple 2D benchmark roughnesses through to natural permeable sediment beds. The hypotheses are relevant to various phenomena such as hydraulic resistance, the interaction between open-channel flow and permeable beds and the three-dimensionality of the near-bed flow.
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Organisation Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk