Steady state saltation in air

Abstract

Coupled equations of motion for steady state saltation over an infinite plane are derived and solved for a simplified model of the grain‐surface impact process. Experimentally observed features of the wind velocity profile in saltation are qualitatively reproduced, including a diminution of the sub‐saltation layer mean wind speed, as the friction speed increases. In this model the surface impact velocity of the saltating grains remains relatively constant over a wide range of free‐stream shear stresses, and the grain mass flux increases with friction speed u_f* less rapidly than u_f^3.

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