Cross-waves and pulsating flows in the side-channel spillway – an experimental approach

Potentially hazardous side-channels of complex geometry need to be investigated using detailed hydraulic physical models. This study aims to analyse the cross-waves pattern and pulsating flow using a side-channel spillway physical model. This study compares the cross-waves pattern were measured using an experimental installation set to generate cross-waves on the surface (original series) with another structure that did not produce cross-waves (modified series). The results showed that the geometry of the left wall caused instability in flow patterns and secondary flows. The starting point of Q 2 discharge was detected by minor turbulence on the water surface near the left wall at a water depth of 3.3 m at the starting point of the wall, but with no overtopping. Cross-waves formed downstream at the right wall crosswise, lower than at the left wall. The height of the cross-wave increased substantially from Q 100 to Q 1000 discharges leading to overtoppings near the left wall at a water depths of 4.2 and 5.0 m at the starting point of the wall, and near the right wall at a water depths of 3.8 and 4.0 m at the upstream point of the wall. The modifications provided optimal hydraulic conditions, i.e. elimination of cross-waves and non-uniform flows. The Vedernikov and Montouri numbers showed that both original and modified series did not enter the area where the pulsating flow occurred. This indicated that both series were free from the pulsating flow.