3D mathematical model for suspended load transport by turbulent flows and its applications

Abstract

This paper presents a 3D mathematical model for suspended load transport in turbulent flows. Based on Dou’s stochastic theory of turbulent flow, numerical schemes of Reynolds stresses for anisotropic turbulent flows were obtained. A refined wall function was employed to treat solid wall boundaries. The equations for 2D suspended load motion and sorting of bed material have been expanded into 3D cases. Numerical results are validated by the measured data of the Gezhouba Project, and proved to be in good agreement with the experimental. The present method has been employed to simulate sediment erosion and deposition in the dam area of Three Gorges Project, and for the operation of the project, siltation process and deposition pattern in the near-dam area of the reservoir, size distribution of the deposits and bed material, and flow fields and sediment concentration fields at different time and elevations are predicted. The predicted results are close to the experimental observations in physical model studies. Thus, a new method is established for 3D simulation of sediment motion in dam areas of multi-purpose water projects.