Author(s): Xin Lu; Bruce Melville; Asaad Shamseldin; Lu Wang
Linked Author(s): Lu Wang, Asaad Yahia Shamseldin, Bruce W. Melville
Keywords: Large sediment particle initiation Pocket geometry Inertial measurement units (IMUs)
Abstract: Large sediment particles, such as pebbles, stones, and boulders, are critical to river dynamics, affecting bed shear stress and inducing turbulent vortices. Factors including protrusion height, particle shape, and pocket geometry govern their mobilization. In this study, we explore the influence of pocket geometry on the initiation of large sediment particles through controlled flume experiments. A Smart Sediment Particle (SSP) equipped with inertial measurement units (IMUs) was employed to capture critical triaxial accelerations. Our findings reveal that relative submergence has minimal impact on initiation thresholds, while pocket geometry exerts a pronounced effect on accelerations in both flow and vertical directions.
Year: 2025