3D numerical modeling of flow and sediment transport in rivers and open channels

Abstract

Numerical model is a useful tool in studying the flow and sediment transport, change in river bed and is built on solving governing differential equations. Numerical model has many different levels and three-dimensional model is the highest level, allowing detailed simulation of flow and sediment transport process in 3D space. The paper presents a method calculating three - dimensional flow and sediment transport in the open channel. Water level and flow velocity are solved from three-dimensional equations with hydrostatic hypothesis. Concentration of suspended sediment, bottom sediment and bottom evolution is solved from transport equations. The governing differential equations in the "sigma" transform coordinate system are solved by finite volume method on unstructured grid of quadrilateral elements. Boundary condition of water level or flow will be imposed on open boundary. For suspended sediment concentrations in the injected phase, suspended sediment concentrations are applied and the outflow phase applies free drainage conditions. This method of calculation was tested with the problem of curved channel sediment transport which was studied experimentally by Odgaard and Bergs. Calculation results are quite consistent with the measured data. In order to test the practical applicability, this method is also tested with the problem of sediment transport in Cu lao Pho islet on Dong Nai river. To solve the matter of hydraulic boundary condition of this problem, the model of Cu lao Pho islet is integrated into the Sai Gon - Dong Nai river system model. Results of the calculation of the river bed evolution of the Cu lao Pho islet on the Dong Nai river also show that this calculation method gives results consistent with the rule and can be used in practical research.