Flow Patterns and Bed Deformation in a Meandering Channel with Different Flow Conditions

The velocity distribution and bed deformation patterns in a meandering channel with consecutive bends were investigated by using both an experimental study and a 3-D flow and sediment transport model. The simulated results from the 3-D model agree well with the experimental data. The flow structure and bed deformation patterns in channel bends with different flow conditions were analyzed. Modeled results demonstrated that the velocity distribution and bed deformation in the meandering channel depend mostly on the flow regimes. For the case of small flow discharge, the maximum velocity occurs in the vicinity of concave bank. For the case of large discharge, the maximum velocity occurs near the center part of the channel. Consequently, bed deformation patterns in meandering channels will be influenced by the flow conditions.