Problems with Numerical Modeling of Gravel-Bed Rivers

by Ronald R. Copeland, US Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,
William A. Thomas, US Army Engineer Waterways, Experiment Station, Vicksburg, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

Inherent to one-dimensional numerical models are the assumptions that hydraulic parameters can be assigned a characteristic average value, and that the flow is gradually varied so that the equations of motion can be applied between designated cross sections. The difficulty with gravel-bed streams begins with their lack of uniformity both in the lateral and longitudinal directions. Another problem is the lack of a generally applicable sediment transport function, and the collection of field data to verify a sediment transport function ranges from difficult to impossible. As a result, more careful attention to numerical model input must be exercised, and more judgment must be applied when interpreting calculated results.

Subject Headings: Numerical models | Sediment transport | Hydraulic models | River and stream beds | River flow | Mathematical models | Equations of motion

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