A numerical model of sediment-laden turbulent flow in an open channel

Abstract

A numerical analysis of sediment-laden flow is carried out. Velocity and suspended sediment concentration profiles are compared with the experiments in open channel flow. The k-ω turbulence model is selected for the fully turbulent flow field because this model has shown good results for wall-bounded flows and for flows on rough surfaces. The concentration equation that takes into account the settling velocity is adopted for the concentration field. A new eddy viscosity model is proposed in the turbulence modeled equations to couple the velocity field and the concentration field. The bed load thickness and surface roughness are considered in this study, and reasonable predictions are achieved.Key words: numerical simulation, suspended sediment transport, open channel flow, k-ω turbulence model.