Transverse Dispersion in Rectangular Channels

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Abstract
Dimensional analysis shows that the commonly used dimensionless transverse dispersion coefficient, ez/uda*h, should depend on both the friction factor and the width-to-depth ratio of the flow. Results for ez lead to the conclusion that secondary circulation, and not turbulent diffusion, is the dominant transport mechanism. These results help to explain the failure to find consistent trends in the variation of ez/u*h and suggest that u*h is not a good representation for ez. Two alternative dimensionless dispersion coefficients, ezuW and ez/uda*W, are introduced. Both appear to account for secondary circulation effects more properly. The dimensionless parameter ez/uda*W is a function of the width-to-depth ratio and appears to be affected only slightly by variations in the friction factor. The parameter ez/uW shows distinct dependence on both friction factor and width-to-depth ratio. Both of these are better dimensionless transverse dispersion coefficients to use than ez/uda*h.

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