LES two-phase modelling of suspended sediment transport using a two-way coupled Euler–Lagrange approach.

Sediment plume development was modelled using an Euler–Lagrangian two-way coupled large eddy simulation. Momentum exchange was calculated based on interaction forces in the Maxey–Riley equation. Validation showed good agreement with experimental data from literature. For analysis of interaction between sediment and fluid 6,859 particles were released into turbulent fluid flow. In order to ensure independence of the results from arbitrary turbulent velocity fluctuations in the initial fluid velocity field, 41 simulations of the test case starting from different initial flow fields were analysed. Results of these simulations are normally distributed. Mean values indicate three phases of the development of the sediment plume: (i) acceleration phase, (ii) transport phase and (iii) deposition phase. Significant slow down of fluid flow and particle sorting turned out to be relevant processes in the initial development of the sediment plume which are not accounted for in one-way coupled models. • Transient two-way coupled large-eddy simulations of a sediment plume. • Results of 41 simulations indicate three phases of the development of the sediment plume. • Two-way coupling particularly important in the initial sediment acceleration phase. • Significant slowdown of fluid flow primarily in the sediment acceleration phase. • Development of the sediment plume is influenced by particle sorting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]