Division of flow at open channel bifurcations

This review study explores and discusses key works on flow division at open channel bifurcations, aiming to describe the phenomenon, summarize the state-of-the-art, and serve an easily accessible resource for researchers. The study focuses on channels with rigid-bed and subcritical inflow conditions. It provides a comprehensive examination of the mechanics of flow division, including the resulting flow structures and flow features. The study also evaluates theoretical and empirical models proposed to address the discharge distribution problem at bifurcations, assessing their performance. Furthermore, it proposes refinements to existing equations and graphical methods for estimating flow characteristics and flow rates. Finally, it identifies critical gaps in the literature and suggests directions for future research.