Examination of cohesive sediment settling velocity calculations in the Yellow River Basin

Examining the settling velocity characteristics of cohesive sediment, comprising cohesive minerals within the Yellow River Basin, involves constructing a physical graph depicting the energy dissipation at the water-sediment interface of sediment particles. This construction incorporates force analysis and the energy conservation of sediment particles. The explicit expression for sediment group settling velocity is derived, utilizing the kinematic viscosity coefficient and turbulent viscosity coefficient of sediment-laden flow. This formulation effectively captures the influence of flow viscosity and wake separation on sediment particle settling resistance. Validation of the theoretical framework is achieved through settling velocity tests conducted on representative cohesive sediment, specifically red arsenic sandstone particles, within the Yellow River. The results indicate a monotonic decrease in the group settling velocity of red arsenic sandstone in sediment-laden flow with increasing sediment concentration, ultimately reaching a constant value. Conversely, for vertically averaged sediment concentrations ranging from 0.34 to 0.45 kg/m³, the group settling velocity consistently increases with sediment concentration. The theoretical analysis aligns with experimental observations, and the formulated expression is substantiated by collected data. This comprehensive study serves as a valuable reference for understanding the dynamics of deposition and transport of cohesive suspended sediments in the Yellow River Basin.