The validity of a depth-integrated model for suspended sediment transport

Abstract

Abstract Based on an asymptotic solution of the two-dimensional convection-diffusion equation. Galappatti [2] developed a depth-integrated model for suspended sediment transport. In the present study, a theoretical as well as an experimental investigation into the validity of the model have been carried out. From the theoretical study, some requirements for the validity of the model in terms of flow and sediment parameters are found. The experimental study shows an acceptable agreement between theory and measurement. It can be concluded from the present study that the model is valid in cases where the suspended load is the main mode of the sediment transport (ωs u ∗ « 1) and in cases where the flow variations are slow/gradual with respect to an obtained time/length scale.