Stable channel cross section of straight gravel river.

A model for predicting depth and width of self formed straight gravel bed rivers with actively transported heterogeneous bed materials is presented. The major agency for maintaining stable channel is lateral turbulent diffusion of longitudinal fluid momentum. The model reveals that the stable width is dependent on Q, S, d and SIGMA. The gradation of mixtures is found to increase and decrease the stable depth and the width, respectively. A series of well controlled laboratory tests support the theoretical prediction. The model is applied successfully to natural gravel rivers and canals excavated in coarse bed materials.