Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
9480616 Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 2005 12 Pages PDF
Abstract
A three-dimensional Large Eddy Simulation (LES) model is used to simulate oscillating tidal boundary layers and test previous results obtained from one-dimensional boundary layer models and turbulence measurements in tidal channels. The LES model produces low-order turbulence statistics in agreement with the semi-analytic theory and observations. It shows a logarithmic layer in the mean velocity profile and a linear distribution of Reynolds stress with water depth. However, the eddy viscosity profile predicted by the LES model is not parabolic but better matches a parabolic profile modified by wake effect observed in the outer part of depth-limited steady boundary layers. Low-order turbulence statistics can be scaled by the instantaneous friction velocity at the bottom boundary. Although turbulence intensities in three directions fluctuate over a tidal cycle, their normalized values are in good agreement with those determined from laboratory experiments of steady open-channel flows. The LES model confirms that tidal turbulence is in quasi-equilibrium. However, it also demonstrates the importance of flow acceleration/deceleration term in the depth-integrated momentum balance for the mean flow. Phase differences are found between flows at different heights above the bottom boundary.
Keywords
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Geology
Authors
, , ,