Author(s): Erica Camnasio (IAHR Member); Sebastien Erpicum (IAHR Member); Enrico Orsi (IAHR Member); Michel Pirotton (IAHR Member); Anton J. Schleiss (IAHR Member); Benjamin Dewals (IAHR Member)

Linked Author(s): Enrico Orsi, Michel Pirotton, Anton J. Schleiss, Benjamin J. Dewals

Keywords: Flow stability; morphodynamic evolution; numerical modelling; reservoir sedimentation; shallow reservoir

Abstract: Flow velocity and sedimentation patterns were investigated experimentally and numerically in shallow rectangular reservoirs with different asymmetric locations of the inlet and outlet channels. Velocity fields were measured in the entire reservoir, both for clear water flow and with suspended sediments. Thickness of sediment deposits was mapped in the whole reservoir by means of a laser light method. In one of the studied geometric configurations, injection of suspended sediments led to a complete change in the observed flow field. Experimental results were compared with numerical simulations performed with the depth-averaged flow model WOLF 2D, using a depth-averaged k–ϵ turbulence model. The simulations lead to accurate predictions of the velocity profiles and the change in flow pattern as a result of sediment deposits was successfully reproduced.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2013.805311

Year: 2013