Numerical modelling of transient flows with high sediment concentrations

The main purpose of the present paper is to describe and discuss the development, validation and application of a numerical model designed to handle transient flows with high sediment transport rates. The model considers non-equilibrium transport (i.e. accounting for loading/unloading delay) and is numerically as well as physically totally coupled. The closure relations needed to evaluate the exchange fluxes between the fixed bottom and the flowing mixture (erosion and deposition rates) are also detailed in the paper. Finally, the model is validated against experimental data collected in the framework of the European project IMPACT.