Flow structure in a compound channel: benchmarking 2D and 3D numerical models

Abstract

The benchmarking test of 2D and 3D numerical models on a compound channel flow with a rectangular-shaped main channel and a rectangular-shaped floodplain was carried out by the IAHR Working Group on Compound Channels. The selected test case is the flume experiment by Nezu and Tominaga (1991). Nine depth-averaged 2D models and four 3D models participated in the benchmark. In the 2D models, the depth-averaged streamwise velocity profiles in the lateral direction were compared. In the 3D models, velocity components in three directions as well as the distribution of the turbulence kinetic energy in a cross-section were compared. Through the comparison, the applicability and limitations of each model are highlighted and discussed with regard to the model characteristics.