Compression Waves in Semi-circular Channel

Authors

Emelia Dara Soechiarto, BEng Davide Wűthrich, PhD Hubert Chanson, PhD, DEng

Abstract

Partially filled pipe flows are commonly observed in urban hydraulics, sewers and road crossings.The occurrence of a compression wave in the confined space may result from flash flooding, transient operation or accidental blockage, inducing explosive conditions.

In this study, the propagation of a compression wave was studied in a relatively large laboratory flume of semi-circular cross-section. The unsteady flow properties were recorded to understand how the circular cross-sectional shape impacted the surging water propagation.

Both free-surface and velocity data indicated a marked impact of the compression wave passage, with large instantaneous fluctuations comparable to and sometimes larger than observations of compression waves in rectangular channels.

Keywords

hydraulics & hydrodynamics sewers & drains waterways & canals