• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.3B
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• pp.247-257
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• 2009

In the present paper, turbulent open-channel flows with alternate vegetated zones are numerically simulated using threedimensional model. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes Equations are solved with the ${\kappa}-{\varepsilon}$ model. The CFD code developed by Olsen(2004) is used for the present study. For model validation, the partly vegetated channel flows are simulated, and the computed depth-averaged mean velocity and Reynolds stress are compared with measured data in the literature. Comparisons reveal that the present model successfully predicts the mean flow and turbulent structures in vegetated open-channel. However, it is found that the ${\kappa}-{\varepsilon}$ model cannot accurately predict the momentum transfer at the interface between the vegetated zone and the non-vegetated zone. It is because the ${\kappa}-{\varepsilon}$ model is the isotropic turbulence model. Next, the open channel flows with alternate vegetated zones are simulated. The computed mean velocities are compared well with the previously reported measured data. Good agreement between the simulated results and the experimental data was found. Also, the turbulent flows are computed for different densities of vegetation. It is found that the vegetation curves the flow and the meandering flow pattern becomes more obvious with increasing vegetation density. When the vegetation density is 9.97%, the recirculation flows occur at the locations opposite to the vegetation zones. The impacts of vegetation on the flow velocity and the water surface elevation are also investigated.