Continuous Saltating Process of Multiple Sediment Particles

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interacting mechanism between the saltating particles near the channel bed. A real-time flow visualization technique was developed to measure the interparticle collision behaviors during the saltating process. A two-dimensional continuous saltation model was also developed. This model was calibrated and verified with the experimental data collected with satisfactory results. The model is able to simulate the continuous saltating trajectories of several particles. The simulated maximum saltation height is about 2–2.5 times the values calculated by a single-particle saltation model. Due to the effects of particle collision, the simulated saltation velocities of the multiple particles model are less than those derived from a single-particle model. Regression equations for the saltating height and velocity were obtained.