Parameter estimation for suspended sediment transport processes under random waves

• Published in: Science of the total environment Vol. 266; no. 1; pp. 49 - 59
• Main Authors: Wai, Onyx W.H., Xiong, Yue Shan, O'Neil, Sean, Bedford, Keith W.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier B.V 05.02.2001; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Chebyshev polynomials; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Marine and continental quaternary; Parameter estimation; Random waves; Sediment concentration profile; Sediment transport; Surficial geology; Parameter estimation; Random waves; Chebyshev polynomials; Sediment concentration profile; Sediment transport; experimental studies; suspended materials; least-squares; sediment transport; laboratory studies
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/S0048-9697(00)00727-0

This paper presents a parameter estimation method for suspended sediment transport processes subject to random wave environments. An objective function was constructed based on measurements of suspended sediment concentration profiles and the governing equation of sediment transport. The Chebyshev least square method was employed to approximate the process parameters, i.e. vertical eddy diffusivity (ε) and net vertical velocity ( w). The objective function of sediment transport processes with Chebyshev's parameters is well posed and does not require boundary conditions. First, second, and third order ε and w Chebyshev orthogonal functions were determined for monochromatic (MONO), narrow-banded (NBR) and broad-banded (BBR) random wave conditions. In the BBR and NBR conditions, the best fit Chebyshev approximations of ε and w were 2nd degree, while the best approximations in the MONO condition were 2nd degree for ε and 1st degree for w. The Chebyshev method provides a quick, accurate and direct estimation of two prime parameters in sediment transport dynamics.