Dynamic features of the flow in a 180° constant‐radius, recirculating laboratory channel are studied. The width‐depth ratio and radius‐width ratio of the channel are 16 and 5.4, respectively, and the sediment is sand with median grain diameter and geometric standard deviation of 0.3 mm and 1.45, respectively. The particle densimetric Froude number is 6.5. Individual components of the momentum equation are measured, and their relative effect on the momentum balance is evaluated. It is found that flow accelerations, notably downstream acceleration of the downstream and cross‐stream velocity components, induced as a result of change in channel curvature at the entrance to the bend have a significant effect on the flow processes in this bend. The cross‐stream velocity gradients are relatively insignificant. The curvature change affects the flow and bed topography in a manner similar to that in which a driving force affects an underdamped oscillating system. The findings are used for an evaluation of available bend f