The role of impulse on the initiation of particle movement under turbulent flow conditions

Diplas, P., Dancey, C.L., Celik, A.O., Valyrakis, M. , Greer, K. and Akar, T. (2008) The role of impulse on the initiation of particle movement under turbulent flow conditions. Science, 322(5902), pp. 717-720. (doi: 10.1126/science.1158954)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Fundamental to our understanding of erosional and transport phenomena in earth-surface dynamics and engineering is knowledge of the conditions under which sediment motion will begin when subjected to turbulent flow. The onset criterion currently in use emphasizes the time-averaged boundary shear stress and therefore is incapable of accounting for the fluctuating forces encountered in turbulent flows. We have validated through laboratory experiments and analytical formulation of the problem a criterion based upon the impulse imparted to a sediment grain. We demonstrate that in addition to the magnitude of the instantaneous turbulent forces applied on a sediment grain, the duration of these turbulent forces is also important in determining the sediment grain's threshold of motion, and that their product, or impulse, is better suited for specifying such conditions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Valyrakis, Dr Manousos
Authors: Diplas, P., Dancey, C.L., Celik, A.O., Valyrakis, M., Greer, K., and Akar, T.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
Journal Name:Science
Publisher:American Association for the Advancement of Science
ISSN:0036-8075
ISSN (Online):1095-9203

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record