Experimental and analytical study of sediment incipient motion

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, a series of experiments are conducted in a plate boundary layer flow and a wave flume. The experimental results are compatible with previous studies. A theoretical model on cohesive force is proposed by applying dimensional analysis and physical reasoning. An empirical model on the effect of static pressure on fine sediments is also presented. The applications of the above two models in the analysis of incipient motion lead to a general criterion for both fine and coarse sediment incipient motion. This criterion includes three effects: (1) cohesive force, (2) static pressure on fine sediment, and (3) submerged gravity effect or frictional force. The proposed criterion model is calibrated with the experimental data and its functional form looks reasonable. The proposed criterion may be very useful in a numerical simulation of sediment transport.