Hydrodynamic Removal of Sediments in Open Irrigation Channel

ABSTRACT The enhancement of irrigation infrastructure is essential for boosting agricultural productivity, particularly in developing nations. Nevertheless, the accumulation of sediment in irrigation channels presents a major obstacle, reducing water flow efficiency and escalating maintenance expenses. This study introduces a numerical model designed for the hydrodynamic removal of bed sediment in an open irrigation channel located in Guanajuato, Mexico. Fluid dynamics are resolved using a finite difference method to simulate three‐dimensional velocity fields, while sediment transport is analysed through the particle‐in‐cell method (PICM). The model incorporates key factors influencing particle behaviour, including velocity field, turbulent dispersion, and particle‐specific properties such as size, shape, and settling velocity. Validation experiments were performed in a laboratory setting, utilizing a 1:20 scale irrigation channel with three distinct configurations of submerged structures. The results confirmed the model's capability to predict sediment transport, pinpoint erosion and deposition zones, and evaluate alterations in the hydraulic cross‐section. These outcomes underscore the critical role of effective sediment management in ensuring the optimal performance and maintenance of irrigation channels.