A new method to calculate flow in compound channels is proposed: the interacting divided channel method (IDCM), based on a new parametrization of the interface stress between adjacent flow compartments, typically between the main channel and floodplain of a two-stage channel. This expression is motivated by scaling arguments and allows for a simple analytical solution of the average flow velocities in different compartments. Good agreement is found between the analytical model results and laboratory data from the literature.

Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A) is an international journal which publishes papers on all aspects of astronomy and astrophysics