PRINCIPLES OF SEDIMENT TRANSPORT IN RIVERS, ESTUARIES AND COASTAL SEAS ESAl ot Se < é ve ‘ a University of Utrecht Delft Hydraulics Department of Physical GeographyFigure 3.2.3 shows particle size curve for a log-normal distribution on a logarithmic-linear scale and on a logarithmic-probability scale. Grain size can be used as an indicator of energy conditions. Fine grains usually are dominant in low-energy conditions near river banks, on tidal flats, in protected or sheltered basins. Coarse grains are found in high-energy conditions near breaker bars along the coasts and in the deeper channels of rivers and estuaries, where the finer grains cannot easily survive (strong currents). The main grain size decreases with distance from the source known as: "fining down the transport path", due to abrasion effects and deposition of fines in quiescent conditions. Near the source the size range usually is relatively wide (well sorted); while a narrow size range (poorly sorted) is found far away from the source. The coarsest particles are transported as bed load; the finest particles as suspended load. The relationship between grain size, sorting and hydraulic conditions has been used to distinguish between different sedimentary environments like wave-dominated, current- dominated; eroding or depositing and paths between them. 3.2.5 Particle fall velocity 1. Sphere falling in a still fluid Basically, the fall velocity is a behavioural property. The terminal fall velocity (w,) of a sphere is the fall velocity when the fluid drag force = 1/2(C, p wz) 1/4(x d?) on the particle is in equilibrium with the gravity force = 1/6(p, - p)gd?, giving: 5 oe [sf 3.2.19) 3Cp in which: w, = terminal fall velocity of a sphere in a still fluid d’ = sphere diameter Ss = specific gravity (= 2.65) Cy = drag coefficient g. = acceleration of gravity ‘The drag coefficient Cy is a function of the Reynolds number Re = w,d/v and shape factor (see Fig. 3.2.4). In the Stokes region (Re < 1) the drag coefficient is given by: C, = 24/Re, yielding: 3.2.20) Outside the Stokes region there is no simple expression for the drag coefficient. The Cp-value decreases rapidly outside the Stokes region (Re < 1) and becomes nearly constant for 10° < Re < 10%, yielding w, proportional to d°5, The effect of temperature on the fall velocity is taken into account by the kinematic viscosity coefficient v. The largest effect occurs for the smallest sphere diameters. 3.118 & Fi & of 3 80 - TT 3 90 +] 5 5 8 60} - $ s0 & 40 : H g & BR wl, rH 20 pe | | [ oO : J 102 2 4 6 8103 102 2 4 6 8103 -» diameter (um) ——» diometer (um) Figure 3.2.3 Particle size curve for a log-normal distribution on logarithmic-linear scale and on logarithmic-probability scale | _———} } | — 8 T rt 1 [ 6 +t | a 1 - oO ‘shope [factor L ¢ 03. & 2|- =| : 2 Ok | 3 Loz] 3 t a 8 oat | +} : t ® os |i _1 ~ 1 ~ - oa I 0.2}— | | | 1 6 eo 2 4 6 Boe 2 4 6 80 2 4 6 Be 2 4 > Reynolds number Re = “s¢ Figure 3.2.4 Drag coefficient as a function of Reynolds number for different shape factors (Albertson, 1953) 3.12Vi(m/s) 3 1 Vt para dos fluidos, By: M.Sc. Ing. Rubén Mogrovejo Gs =2.65 en agua es Gs=2.65 en glcerina 2st Gs=36 en agua 4 Gs=3.6 en glicerina ie ab 15 1 05 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 001 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.08 007 008 009 04 D(m)