Abstract
We model the propagation of turbulent gravity currents through an array of obstacles which exert a drag force on the flow proportional to the square of the flow speed. A new class of similarity solutions is constructed to describe the flows that develop from a source of strength q 0t(γ). An analytical solution exists for a finite release, γ = 0, while power series solutions are developed for sources with γ > 0. These are shown to provide an accurate approximation to the numerically calculated similarity solutions. The model is successfully tested against a series of new laboratory experiments which investigate the motion of a turbulent gravity current through a large flume containing an array of obstacles. The model is extended to account for the effects of a sloping boundary. Finally, a series of geophysical and environmental applications of the model are discussed.
Translated title of the contribution | The effects of drag on turbulent gravity currents |
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Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 297-314 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Journal of Fluid Mechanics |
Volume | 416 |
Publication status | Published - 7 Sept 2000 |