Open AccessA numerical model of flow over sand waves in water of finite depth
Author(s) -
Richards K. J.,
Taylor P. A.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
geophysical journal of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0016-8009
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-246x.1981.tb02703.x
Subject(s) - froude number , geology , turbulence , crest , turbulence modeling , mechanics , flow (mathematics) , closure (psychology) , turbulence kinetic energy , wind wave , physics , optics , oceanography , economics , market economy
Summary. A model of turbulent flow above sand waves in water of finite depth is described. Closure assumptions are based on an eddy viscosity proportional to the square root of the local value of turbulent kinetic energy and mixing length dependent upon distance from the lower boundary. Results are presented for some idealized cases to investigate the effects of wave slope, water depth, Froude number and wave shape. The implications of the model for the transport of sediment are discussed and the development of the wave investigated. It is found that the crest of the wave will become sharper for lower flow rates, as has been observed in the sea. Comparisons are made with recent measurements made over sand waves in the Columbia River.