Numerical simulation of flow pattern and sediment processes of a tidal inlet

Abstract

In this research, the effects of tidal currents on sediment transport pattern and sedimentary features of inlets have been investigated using numerical modeling. To do this, the junction of a small bay to the open sea was modeled by MIKE21 software. In this study, different conditions of tide amplitude (0.5, 1.5, 2.5 meter) were examined. Result clearly shows two vortices during transforming from flood to ebb and vice versa. These vortexes in association with tidal flood and ebb currents produce some shallow areas at the sides of the inlet. The radius of the tidal vortices and the width of sedimentation area, are directly dependent on the tide amplitude. At the throat, at the point where the minimum entry level is created, the dominant force­­ for ­the tidal fluctuation.<br> The known empirical relationship between cross-sectional area at the entrance inlet (A) and ­tidal prism A=CPn has been studied then calculated c and n.