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Three-dimensional numerical modelling of sediment transport processes in non-stratified estuarine and coastal waters

Details are given herein of the development, refinement and application of a higher-order accurate 3-D finite difference model for non-cohesive suspended sediment transport processes, in non-stratified estuarine and coastal waters. The velocity fields are computed using a 2-D horizontal depth-integrated model, in combination with either an assumed logarithmic velocity profile or a velocity profile obtained from field data. Also, for convenience in handling variable bed topographies and for better vertical resolution, a δ-stretching co-ordinate system has been used. In order to gain insight into the relative merits of various numerical schemes for modelling the convection of high concentration gradients, in terms of both accuracy and efficiency, thirty six existing finite difference schemes and two splitting techniques have been reviewed and compared by applying them to the following cases: i) 1-D and 2-D pure convection, ii) 1-D and 2-D convection and diffusion, and iii) 1-D non-linear Burger's equation. Modifications to some of the considered schemes have also been proposed, together with two new higher-order accurate finite difference schemes for modelling the convection of high concentration gradients. The schemes were derived using a piecewise cubic interpolation and an universal limiter (proposed scheme 1) or a modified form of the TVD filter (proposed scheme 2). The schemes have been tested for: i) 1-D and 2-D pure convection, and ii) 2-D convection and diffusion problems. The schemes have produced accurate, oscillation-free and non-clipped solutions, comparable with the ULTIMATE fifth- and sixth-order schemes. However, the proposed schemes need only three (proposed scheme 1) or five cell stencils. Hence, they are very attractive and can be easily implemented to solve convection dominated problems for complex bathymetries with flooding and drying. The 3-D sediment transport equation was solved using a splitting technique, with two different techniques being considered. With this technique the 3-D convective-diffusion equation for suspended sediment fluxes was split into consecutive 1-D convection, diffusion and convective-diffusion equations. The modified and proposed higher-order accurate finite difference schemes mentioned above were then used to solve the consecutive 1-D equations. The model has been calibrated and verified by applying it to predict the development of suspended sediment concentration profiles under non-equilibrium conditions in three test flumes. The results of numerical predictions were compared with existing analytical solutions and experimental data. The numerical results were in excellent agreement with the analytical solutions and were in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Finally, the model has also been applied to predict sediment concentration and velocity profiles in the Humber Estuary, UK. Reasonable agreement was obtained between the model predictions and the corresponding field measurements, particularly when considered in the light of usual sediment transport predictions. The model is therefore thought to be a potentially useful tool for hydraulic engineers involved in practical case studies

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:520623
Date January 1993
CreatorsCahyono, M.
PublisherUniversity of Bradford
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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