Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modelling in 3D of turbulent suspended sediment transport processes in reservoirs

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Résumé

Sediment deposition in reservoirs can affect flood levels, drainage from agriculture land, the firm yield of a dam, hydropower operation and navigation. Turbulent suspended sediment transport is the dominant mechanism of sediment transport through most reservoirs. This paper focuses on the simulation of flow and sediment transport patterns utilising a fully coupled 3D numerical model based on Navier-Stokes equations which include both sediment transport and hydrodynamic parameters. With the aid of a finite volume procedure the coupled 3D model aims to determine a detailed spatial and temporal pattern of the sediment concentration and also the extent of sediment deposition and erosion in the reservoir. A three dimensional hydrodynamic CFD model can be used to simulate the stream lines and sediment transport accurately. This paper discusses model validation using laboratory data under sediment deposition and sediment erosion conditions. The transport of non-cohesive (coarse sediment) considering suspended sediment transport is addressed.

Mots-clés

CFD model, suspended sediment, reservoirs, sediment transport, deposition, entrainment