Sediment Transport Dynamics in Meander-Affected Straight Channels: Experimental Analysis and Model Development

This research investigates the sediment transport dynamics in meander-affected straight channels, focusing on how factors like water depth, sediment particle size, Reynolds number, and Froude number influence sediment transport rates. Using an experimental flume setup with sand of varying grain sizes (0.5 mm to 2 mm), sediment transport rates were measured under controlled conditions. The study explores sediment erosion, deposition patterns, and velocity distribution in both smooth and rough bed channels. Results show that sediment transport is highly sensitive to changes in flow velocity and bed roughness, with higher sediment transport rates observed in rough beds. A mathematical model was developed using regression analysis, considering dimensionless parameters like relative particle size, Reynolds number, and Froude number. The model successfully predicts sediment transport rates and provides a valuable tool for future research on channel dynamics. This study's findings contribute to understanding fluvial processes in modified straight channels and offer insights into sediment management and channel stability in natural and engineered river systems. Future work could extend the model to non-prismatic channels and explore sediment transport using different bed materials and channel configurations.