Advances in Computational Models for Simulation of Sediment Dynamics in Alluvial Rivers

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The applicant proposes to conduct research on the transport, erosion, and deposition of bed sediments in alluvial river channels under both open-water and ice-covered conditions. This proposed research has a large number of direct applications. Examples of such applications include the control of river floods, safe design and operation of river hydraulic structures, water resources planning and management, and fish habitat restoration and protection. These are important issues facing the Canadian population, engineers and policy-makers across this country. The proposed research program demonstrates its relevance in the pursuit of addressing these issues in a scientifically sound manner.***The problem of riverbed sediment dynamics is poorly understood, due to the complex interaction between the flowing water and the underlying mobile riverbed. Winter ice grips virtually all the Canadian rivers. However, the current knowledge concerning ice-effects on sediment dynamics is very incomplete. In this proposal, the applicant intends to develop efficient and cost-effective computer models for generating predictions of sediment transport, erosion and deposition in turbulent river flows. These models will be verified by comparing model predictions with measurements from field programs and laboratory experiments.***The long-term goal of the proposed research program is to: 1) develop modelling and analysing strategies and apply them to solving practical problems related to water resources planning and management; and 2) develop reliable and cost-effective prediction tools for use with field and laboratory data. The short-term objectives are to: 1) improve existing predictive methods; 2) develop and verify new methods needed for the prediction of sediment dynamics in open-water and ice-covered river flows; and 3) advance three-dimensional modelling capacities and contribute to improved knowledge of complex mobile-bed river flow.***The originality and innovative aspect of the proposed research lies in distinguishing the boundary-layer flow immediately above a mobile riverbed from free-stream flow further above and in introducing computationally efficient hybrid techniques within a computer model of sediment dynamics. The applicant will explore hybrid techniques that couple analytical/semi-analytical functions with numerical solutions to the conservation equations, in order to enhance the description of near-boundary flow.***This proposed research program will potentially make broader contributions to improving interdisciplinary hydraulic and hydrological modelling, to facilitating system predictions for the riverine and adjacent environments, and to understanding the impact of anthropogenic activities and changing natural conditions on the environments. This program will create opportunities for training graduate students at both the doctoral and Master's levels.**