Experiments on Turbulence Intensity and Bubble Frequency in Self-Aerated Open Channel Flows
Although spillways have been investigated experimentally by various researchers, only a few studies have been conducted on the comprehensive properties of a self-aerated air-water flow. In this study, new experimental data were recorded and discussed for the distribution of the air concentration, air-water velocity, turbulence intensity and bubble frequency in the completely developed regions for spillways. It was observed that both the turbulence intensity and bubble frequency increased from the bottom and subsequently decreased near the free surface. The positions of maximum air bubble frequency and turbulence intensity gradually approached air concentration to 0.50 in the self-aerated developed region. Self-similar relationships between the turbulence intensity and bubble frequency were proposed.