Study of Variation in Velocity Profile along a 120° Meandering Path

Despite substantial research on various aspects of velocity distribution in curved meander rivers, no systematic effort has been made to analyse the variation of velocity profile along a meander path.In this paper variation of velocity profile along the width and depth has been analysed at different cross-sections along a 120° path (cross over angle) of a meandering channel i.e. from a cross-over to the corresponding bend apex.When flow enters a bend, the centrifugal force arising from the channel curvature leads to a transversal slope in the water surface. The interaction between the centrifugal force and transversal pressure gradient causes secondary flows in cross-sections, and the secondary flows spread further by moving along the bend.

Hence at the bend these processes lead to velocity increase in the inner wall and decrease in the outer wall along the width of the channel.

The above variations are investigated from the cross-over to the next corresponding bend apex.