Flow Resistance Law in Channels with Flexible Submerged Vegetation

Abstract

In this paper, experimental data collected in a straight flume having a bed covered by grasslike vegetation have been used to analyze flow resistance for flexible submerged elements. At first, the measurements are used to test the applicability of Kouwen’s method. Then, a calibration of two coefficients appearing in the semilogarithmic flow resistance equation is carried out. Finally, applying the Π -theorem and the incomplete self-similarity condition, a flow resistance equation linking the friction factor with the shear Reynolds number, the depth-vegetation height ratio and the inflection degree is deduced.