The complex nature of low flow mixing in natural channels has been investigated using both laboratory experiments and the numerical solution of a proposed mathematical model that is based on a set of mass balance equations describing the mixing and mass exchange mechanisms. Laboratory experiments, which involved collection of channel geometry, hydraulic, and dye dispersion test data, were conducted in a model of four pool and riffle sequences in a 49-m long tilting flume. The experimental results show that flow over the model pool-riffle sequences is highly non-uniform. Concentration-time curves are significantly skewed with long tails. Comparison between measured and predicted concentration-time curves shows good agreement in the general shape, peak concentration and time to peak. The proposed model shows significant improvement over the conventional one-dimensional dispersion model in predicting natural mixing processes in open channels under low flow conditions through pools and riffles.

• 서일원(서울대학교 공과대학 토목공학과) | Seo Il Won