Three-dimensional modeling of real wind-generated currents and simulation of surface released suspended materials transport in Hamilton's harbour

Period of execution: December 1994 to July 1995

Customer's Name: research's contract with Environment Canada, Canadian Center for Ground Water, Burlington.

Summary:

A 3D model with finite elements technology was used to simulate surface released sediment circulation and transport in Hamilton's harbour. The three-dimensional circulation generated by real winds at each 10 minutes over a 15 day period was analyzed and discussed. The 3D circulation model's results were compared with those of Tsanis and Wu's 2D model (1992) and with current observations. The suspended material transport model's results were also presented and discussed.

Principal activities carried out:

• Use of a wave's prediction model to calculate the wave's period and significant height from wave recordings carried out by the CCEI in Hamilton's harbour;
• Use of a prediction model to calculate the current's orbital velocity at 1 meter from the bottom;
  Tracking the calculated parameters over the sampling period (23 days);
• Adaptation and validation of a 3D hydrodynamic model with the finite elements method to simulate variable wind-generated currents;
• Using the suitable hydrodynamic model to generate a solution corresponding to real winds covering the sampling period;
• Comparing the model's results with current recordings carried out on the surface and close to the bottom at two sites selected by the CCEI;
• Selecting periods of constant wind and analyzing the circulation pattern at the surface, semi-depth and close to the bottom;
• Comparing the model's results with ADCP's data carried out on longitudinal sections;
• Producing video animations of the real wind-generated circulation;
• Adapting a 3D model with finite elements technology conceived to simulate the advection-diffusion-transport processes, and suspended materials transport processes;
• Carrying out simulations of suspended material transport with a 3D model using the hydrodynamic model's results;
• Comparing the temporal evolution of the plume with ADCP's data;
• Carrying out video animations illustrating the sediment transport model's results.

Reports, Presentations, Publications:

Gagnon, M. and P. Hamblin, 1996. Modelling wind-driven circulation and suspended sediments transport in Hamilton Harbour with a 3D finite element model. Coastal Zone Canada 96. Rimouski, august 1996.


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