Practical estimation of flow resistance through emergent vegetation Available to Purchase

A computational model of vegetation-influenced flow has been applied hypothetically to identify the variables most significant in determining resistance to flow through emergent reed-type vegetation, and to develop a simple procedure for estimating conveyance. A rational form of stage-discharge relationship is adopted and a formulation for the resistance coefficient in terms of the significant variables (stem spacing, stem diameter and stem drag coefficient) is derived through application of the computational model. Experimental results are used to relate the stem drag coefficient to stem Reynolds number and foliage state. The stage-discharge and resistance coefficient equations and the drag coefficient relationship are applied through a simple iterative procedure for routine conveyance estimation. The procedure is verified by comparison of predicted and measured discharges for flow through natural vegetation.