Open Channel Flow through Different Forms of Submerged Flexible Vegetation

Laboratory experiments are used to explore the effect of two forms of flexible vegetation on the turbulence structure within a submerged canopy and in the surface flow region above. The two simulated plant forms involve flexible rods (stipes) of constant height, and the same rods with a frond foliage attached. These plant forms were arranged in a regular staggered configuration, set at the same stipe density. The plant geometry and its mechanical properties have been scaled from a real aquatic plant using Froudian similarity, and the methods used for quantifying the bending stiffness, flexural rigidity, and drag force–velocity relationship of the vegetation are outlined. Experimental results reveal that within the plant layer, the velocity profile no longer follows the logarithmic law profile, and the mean velocity for the rod/frond canopy is less than half of that observed for the simple rod array. In addition to the mean flow field, the turbulence intensities indicate that the additional superficial area of the fronds alters the momentum transfer between the within-canopy and surface flow regions. While the frond foliage induces larger drag forces, shear-generated turbulence is reduced due to the inhibition of momentum exchange by the frond surface area. It is known that the additional drag exerted by plants reduces the mean flow velocity within vegetated regions relative to unvegetated ones, but this research indicates that plant form can have a significant effect on the mean flow field and, therefore, potentially influence riverine and wetland system management strategies.