The flow field within open channel flow is affected by the presence of vegetation which is generally not uniformly distributed in the channel. These patches of vegetation may act to either enhance or suppress the longitudinal dispersion within the flow depending on the porosity or density of the vegetation. If the vegetation is sparse, soluble material may enter the patch and be retained, causing a transient storage effects. If however the vegetation patch is very dense, then exchange from the main flow will be reduced and the flow forced around the vegetation, potentially increasing the velocity and reducing the longitudinal dispersion effects. This project will aim to undertake laboratory experiments with real vegetation to relate the vegetation density to the longitudinal mixing within an open channel.

For more information please contact Prof. Ian Guymer.