Study on the Morphological Distribution and Modeling Methods of River Particles in Upstream and Downstream Sections

• Published in: Materials Vol. 17; no. 21; p. 5290
• Main Authors: Hu, Zhengbo, Zhang, Junhui, Tan, Xin, Yang, Hao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.11.2024
• Subjects: Abrasion; abrasion process; Algorithms; Analysis; Angle of repose; Crack propagation; discrete element analysis; Discrete element method; Mechanical properties; Mechanics; Methods; Morphology; particle morphology; Particle shape; Rivers; Rounding; Sediment transport; Shape effects; Simulation; Soil erosion; Upstream; voronoi tessellation; United States > US
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma17215290

This study investigates the morphological evolution of river particles and their mechanical behavior during sediment transport. River particles exhibit distinct shape differences between upstream and downstream sections, with particles becoming progressively rounded downstream. The rounding process is quantitatively described using morphological indices. The analysis reveals upstream particles are more angular, while downstream particles become increasingly rounded due to erosion and abrasion, modeled by a unified abrasion function. The Loop subdivision method effectively simulates this gradual rounding process. Additionally, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) calculates the natural angle of repose for particles with varying erosion levels, showing angles ranging from 38.2° for angular particles to 34.4° for rounded particles, closely matching field observations. The numerical results effectively demonstrate the interlocking effect caused by particle morphology. This research enhances the understanding of sediment transport dynamics and provides a robust framework for modeling particle shape evolution.