|
The experimental work reported on in this Thesis is directed at the phenomenon of separation of the flow from the walls of the expanding outlets from minimum specific energy culverts. The experiments have, as their aim, the mapping of the geometric limits to these expansions such that separation does not occur. The results, to varying degrees, outline the effects that several factors have on the no separation flow regime; most prominent of these factors are the angle of divergence of the walls, the aspect ratio of the flow, the Froude number of the flow, and two anti separation devices (a raised floor and baffles). Additionally, information is provided on the pattern of head losses experienced by critical and subcritical flows in passing through free surface flow expansions. An argument is also offered on the relative merits of an experimental approach to a study of the subject phenomena, as against a more mathematical approach by the use of boundary layer equations.
|
