A method of measuring sediment incipient velocity based on B-scan ultrasound imaging technique

The measurement of the incipience of sediment particles on the riverbed has been a difficult problem in sediment transport research. For this reason, this paper puts forward a method of measuring sediment incipient velocity based on B-scan ultrasound imaging technique. This method uses B-scan ultrasound imaging device to obtain the underwater topography and ultrasonic moving images of the nearby particles in the model water channel. The image spots of the moving particles near the riverbed are analyzed and counted by means of image processing techniques. The relationship between flow velocity and particle spots is also analyzed. The result shows that particle spots have a mutation during the process of sediment incipient motion, which is corresponding to the sediment incipient motion. It can be used to measure sediment incipient and the corresponding incipient velocity. The measured incipient velocity is verified by changed topographic lines of riverbed. This method is free from flow disturbance and interference, suitable for both clear and muddy flow water and easy to realize automatic measurement.