Assessing the impact of propeller operation and the dimensions of the shipping channel on bottom erosion based on the results of mathematical modeling of flow hydraulics

  • Sergey S. Gerasimov Volga State University of Water Transport, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6699-4243
  • Aleksandr N. Sitnov Volga State University of Water Transport, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Abstract

The Unified Deepwater System (UDS) includes major shipping rivers and canals, some of which are crossed by main pipelines. The latter, as practice shows, are often shallow, which, during operation, can lead to deviations in their planned and vertical positions under the influence of a number of factors. Due to the regulation of individual shipping channels, which is accompanied by a decrease in the natural flow velocity, the main factors influencing channel bottom erosion are the effects of vessel movement. In addition to vessel speed, bottom erosion is affected by the narrowness and depth of the channel's cross-sectional area and the operation of propellers. The influence of both factors on changes in the intensity of bottom erosion in the channel can be assessed using mathematical modeling. This article presents the results of mathematical modeling of the movement of a Project 507G-020-012 vessel through the canal and provides an assessment of the influence of the studied factors on bottom erosion.

Keywords: shipping safety, mathematical modeling, computational fluid dynamics, shipping channel

References

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Author Biographies

Sergey S. Gerasimov , Volga State University of Water Transport, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

postgraduate student of the Department of Waterways and Hydraulic Structures, Volga State University of Water Transport, 5, Nesterov st, Nizhny Novgorod, 603951

Aleksandr N. Sitnov , Volga State University of Water Transport, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

professor, doctor of technical sciences, head of the Department of waterways and hydraulic structures, Volga State University of Water Transport, 5, Nesterov st, Nizhny Novgorod, 603951

Published
23-03-2026
How to Cite
Gerasimov, S. S., & Sitnov, A. N. (2026). Assessing the impact of propeller operation and the dimensions of the shipping channel on bottom erosion based on the results of mathematical modeling of flow hydraulics. Russian Journal of Water Transport, (86), 201-208. https://doi.org/10.37890/jwt.vi86.672
Section
Water transport operation, waterways, communications and hydrography