Stochastic Model of Incipient Sediment Motion

A stochastic model of incipient sediment motion is developed. The probability of incipient motion, the life distribution of stationary particles, the number distribution of particles in incipient motion, the intensity of the incipient motion as well as the distribution of transport rate and the expression of mean transport rate in the case of low transport load are all derived. The analytical relationships between the velocity of bottom flow and each of the parameters describing the stage of incipient sediment, such as probability of incipient motion, intensity of incipient motion, period of incipient motion and mean transport rate are obtained. This research discloses the nature of incipient motion and gives quantitative relationships between various criteria of incipient motion. It gives a theoretical basis for determining a uniform and reliable criterion of incipient motion in hydraulic engineering.