A 3D non-linear k–ε turbulent model for prediction of flow and mass transport in channel with vegetation

The results from a 3D non-linear k–ε turbulence model with vegetation are presented to investigate the flow structure, the velocity distribution and mass transport process in a straight compound open channel and a curved open channel. The 3D numerical model for calculating flow is set up in non-orthogonal curvilinear coordinates in order to calculate the complex boundary channel. The finite volume method is used to disperse the governing equations and the SIMPLEC algorithm is applied to acquire the coupling of velocity and pressure. The non-linear k–ε turbulent model has good useful value because of taking into account the anisotropy and not increasing the computational time. The water level of this model is determined from 2D Poisson equation derived from 2D depth-averaged momentum equations. For concentration simulation, an expression for dispersion through vegetation is derived in the present work for the mixing due to flow over vegetation. The simulated results are in good agreement with available experimental data, which indicates that the developed 3D model can predict the flow structure and mass transport in the open channel with vegetation.