Title: The use of plastic media in a movable bed model to study sedimentary processes in rivers

Authors: Jean René Thélusmond; Lizette R. Chevalier; Bruce A. DeVantier

Addresses: Departments of Physical Science and Humanities, John A Logan College, Carterville, IL 62918, USA ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 62901, USA ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 62901, USA

Abstract: The use of plastic media was evaluated for modelling sedimentary processes in rivers using a movable bed model (MBM). From gradations within the range of 0.17-2 mm, the size of the thermoset plastic media was colour coded in order to better visualise complex flow processes. Equations developed by Engelund-Hansen and Schoklitsch were used to predict sediment transport and establish the type of bed channel typified by the media. Similitude and scaling principles were used in order to evaluate the applicability of the equations, the media, and the overall use of the movable bed model. Based on the physical properties of the media and data collected during simulations, the results suggest that the thermoset plastic media can be used to model coarse sand and gravel in MBM.

Keywords: movable bed model; MBM; similitude; scaling; thermoset plastics; plastic media; sediment transport; process modelling; sedimentary processes; visualisation; coarse sand; gravel.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2013.057622

International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 2013 Vol.3 No.2, pp.93 - 110

Published online: 12 Jul 2014 *

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