Abstract:

Because of flocculation character of cohesive sediment particle, the particle is different from coarse sediment particle in physical and transport properties. Therefore, the flocculation of cohesive sediment is a hotspot in the theoretical research of river and ocean sediment. In this paper, we summarize research results of cohesive sediment flocculation according to experiments and mathematical models, and introduce advances in the research up to date, as well as existing problems in these studies. There are 3 problems should be paid attention to: 1) experimental studies are mainly focused on single influencing factor, lack of multi-factor research; 2) pattern researches on 3-D structure of sediment flocs are not enough; 3) relevant mathematical models can only describe qualitative laws, rather than quantitative laws. Finally, we should strengthen some aspects in future study on the flocculation of cohesive sediment, such as similarity criteria, multi-factor experiment research, and 3D simulation on large scale.

Key words: cohesive sediment, flocculation experiment, mathematical model, fractal, advances in research