Study of Side Slope Effect of Main Channel Wall in Open-Channels Junction on Separation Zone Dimensions

The study of hydraulic condition around the rivers confluence and open-channel is important in various aspects, including erosion, sedimentation and environmental considerations. One of the most important characteristics in the confluences is dimensions of separation zone. This zone immediately develops in the lower corner of the junction, as flow entrance of the lateral channel into the main channel. In this research, side slope effects of the main channel on dimensions of flow separation zone was studied. Experiments were conducted with four discharge ratios, four downstream Froude numbers and four side slope angles of 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°. Results showed that the separation zone enlarges by decreasing of side slope angle of the main channel wall. The results showed that on average, and for side slopes angels of 45°, 60° and 75°, the length of separation zone was increased 55.3%, 30.3% and 15.5% respectively in comparison of the vertical wall. The mentioned values were achieved 33.8%, 22.7% and 10.8% respectively, for the width of separation zone. On the other hand, the dimensions of separation zone increased by decreasing of the downstream Froude number and increasing of the discharge ratio. Also, increasing of side slope angle was accompanied with increment of separation zone shape index. For side slope angles of 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°, values of this index were obtained 0.144, 0.147, 0.150 and 0.156, respectively. Moreover, a regression equation was developed using dimensionless parameters for prediction of separation zone dimensions; it was compared with the equations presented by other researchers, for side slope angle of 90o.