Abstract: This paper presents a 2D analytical solution for the transverse velocity distribution in compound open channels based on the Shiono and Knight method (SKM), in which the secondary flow coefficient (K-value) is introduced to take into account the effect of the secondary flow. The modeling results agree well with the experimental results from the Science and Engineering Research Council-Flood Channel Facility (SERC-FCF). Based on the SERC-FCF, the effects of geography on the secondary flow coefficient and the reason for such effects are analyzed. The modeling results show that the intensity of the secondary flow is related to the geometry of the section of the compound channel, and the sign of the K-value is related to the rotating direction of the secondary flow cell. This study provides a scientific reference to the selection of the K-value.

Key words: compound channels, overbank flow, velocity distribution, secondary flow