Quantifying the Dynamic Evolution of Graded Gravel Beds Using Particle Tracking Velocimetry
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 140, Issue 7
Abstract
The motion of graded gravels under steady and spatially uniform turbulent flow is investigated in laboratory conditions using particle tracking velocimetry (PTV). The gravel bed is subjected to flows approaching critical armor velocity, and water worked until static armor is reached. A digital particle tracking (DPT) algorithm, based on image subtraction between subsequent frames, is developed and applied on the particle scale as the graded gravel bed is water-worked. The dynamic evolution of graded gravels is quantified continuously for up to 8 h. Characteristics of particle motion are identified, and movement patterns under complex flow conditions are analyzed. Particle tracking is applied to low-frequency (0.67-fps) and high-frequency (30-fps) data. This study provides a new perspective on gravel particle transport distances, trajectory sinuosity, sediment transport rate, fractional sediment transport rates, particle movement patterns, and instantaneous particle velocities.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank four anonymous reviewers, whose comments helped to improve the manuscript.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 140 • Issue 7 • July 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 20, 2013
Accepted: Dec 4, 2013
Published online: Mar 18, 2014
Published in print: Jul 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Aug 18, 2014
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