Predicting Vertical Distribution of Sediment Concentrations in Uniform Open Channel Flows

Abstract

This work presents a theoretical model for predicting the vertical distribution of suspended sediment concentrations in open channel flows. The model developed uses a new sediment diffusivity coefficient obtained by the application of the Itakura and Kishi correction method to the Kerssens sediment diffusivity profile. Based on this diffusivity coefficient, a theoretical formulation for computing sediment concentration is derived analytically, using the well-known convection–diffusion equation. We compare results from the proposed model with experimental measurements and existing theoretical models, obtained by previous researchers, in order to evaluate the applicability of the present model to predict particle concentration profiles in open channel flows. The computed values of sediment concentrations are in good agreement with the experimental data reported in the bibliography.