Rebuttal on “A mathematical model on depth-averaged β-factor in open-channel turbulent flow” Environmental Earth Sciences 77:253 (2018)

Abstract

In a recent paper published in Environmental Earth Sciences, Jain et al. (Environ Earth Sci 77:253, 2018) proposed an interesting study about the $$\beta$$-factor (the inverse of the turbulent Schmidt number, i.e. the ratio of momentum diffusivity to mass diffusivity in a turbulent flow). They proposed an equation for the depth-averaged $$\beta$$-factor which was used in the Rouse equation to calculate concentration profiles of suspended sediments in open-channel turbulent flows. Despite the interest, the study shows a weakness related to some inconsistencies and contradictions in the method. The main result should be improved. In this note, the weakness in this study will be pointed out. Some used equations are in contradiction with the initial assumptions. The Rouse equation is a solution of the steady-state one-dimensional convection–diffusion equation with a parabolic eddy viscosity which is based on a logarithmic velocity profile. In the same study, Jain et al. (2018) used two different mixing length equations, parabolic and linear relations. The parabolic mixing length and a constant mixing velocity are in contradiction with the used exponential-type eddy viscosity profile. The used equation for coefficient $$\gamma$$ is based on the finite mixing length model and the related assumptions of a linear eddy viscosity and a logarithmic velocity distribution (Nielsen and Teakle in Phys Fluids 16(7):2342–2348, 2004) which are in contradiction with the used exponential-type eddy viscosity profile and velocity distribution. An improved approach and new equations for the depth-averaged $$\beta$$-factor are proposed. The first is based on the equation for the coefficient $$A$$ proposed by Jain et al. (2018) and a second based on a linear function for $$A$$ which gives an equation for $$\beta$$ similar to that of van Rijn (J Hydraul Eng ASCE 1104(11):1613–1641, 1984).