One-dimensional simulation model for steady transcritical free surface flows at short length transitions

A numerical experiment is carried out to investigate the suitability of a Boussinesq-type momentum model for simulating transcritical flows at short length transitions in open channel flow measuring structures. Two one-dimensional Boussinesq-type equation models, which incorporate different degrees of dynamic pressure corrections, are considered for this purpose. A finite difference method is employed to discretise and solve the equations. The models are then applied to simulate different test cases for flows in such channels with predominant non-hydrostatic pressure distribution effects. A comparison of the computed results with the corresponding experimental data is presented. Results of this study reveal that the proposed model, which includes a higher-order correction for the effect of the centrifugal pressure, describes well even relatively abrupt changes from sub- to super-critical flow state.