Numerical simulation of channel pattern changes Part I: Mathematical model

This paper presents a computational fluid dynamics model for simulation of two- dimensional (2-D) water flow, sediment transport, bank failure processes, and the subsequent channel pattern changes. Effects of secondary currents at channel bends are included in the modified momentum conservation equation of water flow. An improved bank failure model is applied to calculate bank failure due to riverbed erosion, and to simulate lateral migration and planform changes of alluvial channels. The water flow model has been validated using laboratory measurements of flow in consecutive bends designed by the authors, in addition to flume test data from the literature.