Modelling the dynamics of turbulent floods

Abstract

Consider the dynamics of turbulent flow in rivers, estuaries, and floods. Based on the widely used κ-ε model for turbulence, we use the techniques of center manifold theory to derive dynamical models for the evolution of the water depth and of vertically averaged flow velocity and turbulent parameters. This new model for the shallow water dynamics of turbulent flow resolves the vertical structure of the flow and the turbulence, includes interaction between turbulence and long waves, and gives a rational alternative to classical models for turbulent environmental flows.