Hybrid modelling for simulation of scour and flow patterns in laboratory flumes

In this study, a hybrid numerical-mathematical model is developed, which simulates the temporal evolution of local scour and flow patterns in laboratory flumes. The mathematical module calculates the shape of the scour hole by solving an integro-parabolic equation. The numerical module simulates the two-dimensional laterally averaged flow patterns in the corresponding scour hole. The hybrid model is verified by experimental data taken from the literature. The hybrid model predicted the temporal evolution of local scour and simulated the flow patterns in and around the scoured zone in good agreement with the experimental ones. The proposed hybrid model proved to be efficient when used in complex local scour and turbulent flow problems. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.