TRANSVERSE MIXING IN PARTIALLY STRATIFIED FLOW

The paper reports the results of a laboratory study on the rate of transverse mixing in oscillatory estuary-type flow with density gradients typical of those found in real estuaries. Two sets of experiments were performed: one in a uniform channel with a trapezoidal cross section, and one in a channel with an irregular cross section. In the uniform channel density stratiffication reduced the rate of transverse mixing. A plot of the dimensionless transverse mixing coefficient versus Richardson Number is given. In the irregular channel, the density stratification had an opposite effect: the irregular side wall generated vertical mixing which induced transverse density gradients and transverse flows. It is concluded that real estuaries are probably similar to the irregular channel and that density statification in real estuaries may hasten rather than impede transverse mixing.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Sumer, S M
  • Fisher, H B
• Publication Date: 1977-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 587-600
• Serial:
  • Journal of the Hydraulics Division
  • Volume: 103
  • Issue Number: HY6
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ditches; Estuaries; Flow; Mixing; Stratification
• Old TRIS Terms: Density gradient
• Subject Areas: Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00164055
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE 12989
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 9 1977 12:00AM