Height and wavelength of alternate bars in rivers: Modelling vs. laboratory experiments

Knaapen, M.A.F. and Hulscher, S.J.M.H. and Vriend de, H.J. and Harten van, A. (2001) Height and wavelength of alternate bars in rivers: Modelling vs. laboratory experiments. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 39 (2). pp. 147-153. ISSN 0022-1686

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Abstract:	Alternate bars are large wave patterns in sandy beds of rivers and channels. The crests and troughs alternate between the banks of the channel. These bars, which move downstream several meters per day, reduce the navigability of the river. Recent modelling of alternate bars has focused on stability analysis techniques. We think, that the resulting models can predict large rhythmic patterns in sandy beds, especially if the models can be combined with data-assimilation techniques. The results presented in this paper confirm this thought.We compared the wavelength and height of alternate bars as predicted by the model of Schielen et al. [14], with the values measured in several flume experiments. Given realistic hydraulic conditions > 210³, (R the width-to-depth ratio and Re the Reynolds number), the predictions are in good agreement with the measurements. In addition, the model predicts the bars measured in experiments with graded sediment. If < 210³, the agreement between model results and measurements is lost. The wave height is clearly underestimated, and the standard deviation of the differences between predictions and measurements increases. This questions the usefulness of small flume experiments for morphodynamic problems.
Item Type:	Article
Copyright:	© 2001 International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research
Faculty:	Engineering Technology (CTW)
Research Group:	Water Engineering and Management (WEM)
Link to this item:	http://purl.utwente.nl/publications/41762
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