Modelling free-forming meander evolution in a laboratory channel using three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics

The present study investigated the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in predicting the formation, development, and migration of free-forming meander bends. The three-dimensional CFD model computed water flow and sediment transport in alluvial channels and predicted vertical and horizontal bed changes. Different algorithms and parameters were tested to provide an insight into the application range of CFD when modelling free-forming meander formation. The computational domain was discretized by an unstructured grid. A control volume method was used for the discretization of the Navier–Stokes equations for the flow calculation and of the convection–diffusion equation for the sediment transport calculation. Turbulence was modelled by the k–ε turbulence model. The simulation was started from an initially straight grid, with neither sediment feed nor any perturbation at the inflow boundary. The model computed the river bed evolution over a real time period of 3 d. Results were compared with laboratory experiments and showed that the CFD model can predict many of the characteristics of the alluvial meander formation and migration. However, some limitations and uncertainties exist that have to be clarified in future investigations.