Graphed equilibrium parameters of channels formed in sediment
This paper, for river engineers and their environmental counterparts, presents and explains the origin and potential of four-dimensional charts that smooth most of the world's numerical data obtained from the equilibrium dimensions of sand rivers, gravel rivers, and laboratory flumes. These charts aim to provide a practical service comparable with that provided by factual plots on the comprehensive classic three-dimensional Stanton friction-factor diagram for circular pipes and clean Newtonian fluid. In the river problems, especially, the existence of different phases (whose transitions are not susceptible to formulation), the inadequacies of textbook theories even for simple phases, and the unavoidable imperfections of both field and laboratory measurements combine to prevent responsible design. The remedy is a graphing of total information backed by references from which its reliability and practicability can be assessed.The references have been chosen to contain principal information in the forms of: (i) usable photos, graphs, and tables; (ii) explanations free from specialized mathematics and speculative arguments; and (iii) papers with discussions, authors' replies, and further useful references (since a major reference list would be too long for this paper). Because condensation has had to be extreme the authors will be glad to attempt answers to discussions and questions on the subject matter, its practical applications, and its implications in teaching and research.