Reynolds stress modeling of flow characteristics in a vegetated rectangular open channel

A computational technique to simulate turbulent and vegetated flow in a rectangular open channel was investigated. Reynolds stress model was implemented to the circular vegetation patch flow configuration for the investigation of flow properties and turbulence characteristics. A finite volume-based model was developed using a three-dimensional (3-D) numerical code FLUENT and the pre-processor Geometry and Mesh Building Intelligent Toolkit. The model was first validated and then used for simulation purpose. Vertical distribution of mean stream-wise velocities was computed at typical locations. A deceleration in the magnitude of stream-wise velocities was observed within the vegetation patch zone. Minimum values of velocity magnitude were observed directly behind the vegetation structures. Turbulence characteristics in the form of Reynolds stresses and turbulent kinetic energies investigated by this model showed that turbulence was greater in the regions of vegetation patch. This Reynolds stress modeling formulation has shown to be capable of capturing important mean flow and turbulence characteristics in the configuration considered.