influence of spur dike on flow patterns in an open channel

Spur dikes are used for river protection purposes. They are typical in-stream structures. There existence results in a considerable change in the flow structure of open channel flow both upstream and downstream of the spur dike. This paper presents a numerical work conducted to get the mean and turbulent flow features under the influence of spur dike. Primary velocity distributions over cross sections and horizontal planes, streamlines over vertical sections and turbulence kinetic energy were investigated. The presence of spur dike was found to have disturbed all the investigated flow features along the length of the channel. The flow separation and recirculation was observed on the down stream side of the dike. The reversal of flow behind the dike was directed downwards from the surface. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, an attempt has been made to enhance the understanding of the flow patterns which exist in case of a spur dike which can further be used for development and improvement of formulae relevant to spur-dikes.