Observation and analysis of long-periodic modes in a confluence with dominant tributary inflow

Abstract

Confluences with dominant tributary inflow are found to exhibit long-periodic alternations of the flow patterns. They are shown to exist both in laboratory experiments and in numerical simulations. By means of a modal decomposition, insight is given into these long-periodic oscillations. The origin of these oscillations is investigated and their significant influence on the secondary flow patterns in the downstream channel is revealed.