Segregation of sedimenting grains of different densities in an oscillating velocity field of strongly nonlinear surface waves.
This paper reports the results of an experimental and theoretical study of the segregation of heavy (sand) and light [polyvinyl chloride (PVC)] grains under the action of intense nonlinear water waves, solitons. The tests are carried out with initially carefully mixed grains at the bottom of a wave flume used in resonant mode. Ripples form on the bed and the segregation process is considered after the stopping of the wave paddle. The waves are damped and the PVC grains concentrate in a narrow region close to the ripple crest. A theoretical model explaining this grain density segregation is developed.
Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, UMR CNRS 6143, Université de Caen-Basse Normandie/Université de Rouen, 2-4 rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France.
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Ezersky
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Marin