Numerical Simulation of Wind-Induced Motion in Suspended Sediment Transport*

In regions with broad water surfaces such as lakes, reservoirs and coastal areas, the wind stress on the flow motion generates a significant impact. The wind stress is an unsteady force which makes numerical simulation difficult. This paper presents a two-dimensional (2-D) mathematical model of the impact of wind-induced motion on suspended sediment transport at Beijing's 13-Ling Reservoir. The model uses the Diagonal Cartesian Method (DCM) with a wetting-drying dynamic boundary to trace variations in the water level. The calculation results have been tested against in situ measurements. The measurements confirm the model's accuracy and agreement with the actual situation at the reservoir. The calculations also indicate that wind stress holds the key to suspended sediment transport at Beijing's 13-Ling Reservoir, especially when westerly winds prevail.