CETN IV-19
March 1999
EXAMPLES OF STUDIES:
The inlet facility is adaptable for a variety
of studies. In its existing "idealized" state,
it can be used to study basic concepts in a
generic manner. For example, if changes
were proposed for the location-orientation
of channels converging from the bay into
the main inlet channel exiting to the ocean,
measurements to determine change in flow
distribution in the inlet gorge and ebb
channel could be quickly performed. In its
sedimentary mode, i.e., with a thick layer
of 0.13-mm sand placed over the fixed bed
and molded to any desired bathymetry,
channel equilibrium areas were generated
to determine the minimum cross section.
Also, inner-bank erosion and the creation
of an embayment behind the intersection of
a jetty and the shoreline have been
examined, as seen in Figure 3. Direction
Figure 3. Idealized inlet model with sand bed
of sand spit development and
showing erosion at shoreline terminus of
encroachment on a channel was studied
intersection of jetties with beach
generically.
Other possible experimental situations can include more detailed actual bathymetry of an inlet for
examining the tendency of channel migration with a change in channel alignment structures.
Johns Pass, Florida, and Grays Harbor, Washington, have been studied in the facility. Also,
innovative ideas such as bendway weirs will be evaluated.
CONCLUSION:
A physical model facility has been made operational in the Coastal Inlets Research Program and
is available for the study of inlet hydraulics and inlet sedimentation at the Coastal and
Hydraulics Laboratory. Its configuration permits the expedient and economical examination of
generic or site-specific problem areas in the entrance region of a coastal inlet.
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