One-dimensional numerical simulation of non-uniform sediment transport under unsteady flows

• Published in: International journal of sediment research 2008-12, Vol.23 (4), p.316-328
• Main Authors: FANG, Hongwei, CHEN, Minghong, CHEN, Qianhai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation length; One-dimensional numerical model; Recovery coefficient; Sediment transport capacity; Unsteady flow
• ISSN: 1001-6279
• DOI: 10.1016/S1001-6279(09)60003-2

One-dimensional numerical models are popularly used in sediment transport research because they can be easily programmed and cost less time compared with two- and three-dimensional numerical models. In particular, they possess greater capacity to be applied in large river basins with many tributaries. This paper presents a one-dimensional numerical model capable of calculating total-load sediment transport. The cross-section-averaged sediment transport capacity and recovery coefficient are addressed in the suspended load model. This one-dimensional model, therefore, can be applied to fine suspended loads and to hyperconcentrated flows in the Yellow River. Moreover, a new discretization scheme for the equation of unsteady non-uniform suspended sediment transport is proposed. The model is calibrated using data measured from the Yantan Reservoir on the Hongshui River and the Sanmenxia Reservoir on the Yellow River. A comparison of the calculated water level and river bed deformation with field measurements shows that the improved numerical model is capable of predicting flow, sediment transport, bed changes, and bed-material sorting in various situations, with reasonable accuracy and reliability.