International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Ali Hamza, Naveed Anjum, Zaheer Ahmed
Abstract: This study explores how circular vegetation patches effect flow characteristics in a meandering open channel functional under steady conditions. Two channel setup were considered for assessment one with a smooth bed and no vegetation and another incorporating rigid circular vegetation patches located along consecutive bends. The comparison tells that the introduction of vegetation considerably alters the flow pattern. A clear reduction in extreme velocity around 55% was observed along with the creation of wake regions behind the areas which contributed to energy loss and flow reducing. In calculation the presence of vegetation controlled to a significant weakening in turbulence related parameters. Turbulence intensity reduced by nearly 40% while turbulent kinetic energy was reduced by nearly 50%. These reductions advise that vegetation plays an effective role in damping large scale turbulent waves even though local mixing still happens near the vegetation foundations. Overall the vegetated arrangement established greater movement stability higher hydraulic resistance and a relocation of turbulent energy throughout the channel. The findings emphasize the standing of vegetation in promoting eco-hydraulic balance reducing the chances of erosion and supporting environmentally sustainable river.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18933294
