Characteristic analysis of the plunging of turbidity currents

Turbidity currents are flows driven by suspended sediment of flood-induced turbid river water with excess density. Such currents are often the governing factor in reservoir sedimentation by transporting fine materials over long distances and delivering the majority of deposition, which thus reduces the storage capacity. Therefore, the design and operation of a reservoir requires an accurate prediction of its occurrence condition and plunging position, which is the objective of the present study. This article presents a verified algebraic slip mixture model including momentum, continuity and algebraic velocity expressions to simulate 2-D turbidity currents. Test experiments in a multiphase flume were carried out. Reynolds number, sediment concentration and densimetric Froude number were used as parameters in the occurrence condition analysis. The plunging of turbidity currents may produce reflux and backflow due to the diving flow at the surface of the clear water. The similar experimental results were also obtained by PIV measurements