Numerical Analysis of River Channel Processes with Bank Erosion

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical analysis of river channel processes with bank erosion. The model can be used for investigating both bed-deformation and bankline shifting in 2D plan form. The basic equations are used in a moving boundary fitted-coordinate system, and a new formulation of nonequilibrium sediment transport is introduced to reproduce the channel processes. The model was applied to examine the morphological behavior of experimental channels. Temporal changes in the plan form in a meandering channel can be classified into two patterns: meander developing and meander straightening. Comparison of the observed and calculated results indicates that the model is applicable to both channel changes under various hydraulic conditions. On the basis of the numerical findings, the paper clarifies the influence of hydraulic variables on the location of bank erosion and bed scouring. The model also was used to investigate the effect of alternate bars on bank erosion and to investigate the development of channel meandering from an initially straight channel.