Sediment Transport and Unit Stream Power Function

Abstract

Basic fluid mechanics and turbulence theories are applied to show that suspended sediment concentration at a given depth of an open channel flow is a function of the turbulence energy production rate at that depth. Depth-averaged suspended sediment concentration can be obtained by integrating a function of the turbulence energy production rate over the depth of flow which in turn is a function of unit stream power. Total sediment concentration can also be expressed as a function of unit stream power following the foresaid and a procedure similar to that proposed by Einstein. Comparisons of seven total load equations indicate that equations derived from the concept that the rate of sediment transport should be related to the rate of energy dissipation of the flow are more accurate than other equations for both laboratory flumes and natural rivers.