The Beginning of Sediment Transport – A Different Approach

ABSTRACT: The beginning of motion of particles at the bottom of a water channel is a result of a rather complex interaction between the flow and the particles. Using a simplified bed model it is possible to easily study and isolate the interactions between the flow and the bed and to better define the conditions leading to the beginning of bed particles motion. A theoretical approach that takes into account the different parameters such as support angle and turbulence intensity, is presented and compared with the Shields diagram and experimental results. This study is the first phase of a broader research project in course who aims to better understand and explain the beginning of sediment particles motion.