Dynamics of the Accumulation of Floating Plastic Particles in Open Channel Flow
C. Yan Toe (TU Delft - Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering)
Wim S.J. Uijttewaal – Promotor (TU Delft - Lab Hydraulic Engineering)
D. Wüthrich – Copromotor (TU Delft - Hydraulic Structures and Flood Risk)
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Abstract
Plastic pollution threatens ecosystems and human health, making it a critical global issue. Since rivers transport large amounts of plastic to the ocean, intercepting debris within river systems is a promising mitigation strategy. However, effective waste-collection design requires understanding how plastic interacts with flow conditions and hydraulic structures. Debris accumulation can reduce water conveyance, increase flood risk, and impose excessive structural loads.
This research investigates the stability of floating debris accumulations (“carpets”) using experiments and numerical simulations. Two instability mechanisms are identified: squeezing, driven by cumulative compressive forces within the debris, and erosion, caused by flow and pressure fluctuations at the leading edge. Results show that flow transitions—from open to closed channel conditions due to debris buildup—play a key role in these processes by altering boundary layers, velocity profiles, and shear stresses.
The findings reveal that rough debris layers intensify turbulence and increase instability risks, while particle position influences forces such as drag and lift. Overall, the study highlights how debris affects flow dynamics and structural safety, offering insights for improved hydraulic design, flood modelling, and debris interception strategies.