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

摘要

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.