Author(s): Carmelina Costanzo; Francesco Macchione

Linked Author(s): Francesco Macchione

Keywords: Two-dimensional schemes; Dam Break; Irregular geometry; Accuracy; Computational time

Abstract: Numerical methods have become important instruments for solving hydraulic engineering problems. This paper compares performances of finite volume schemes applied to two- dimensional shallow water equations to solve dam-break problems. Differently set up models have been implemented such as HLL, HLLC and Roe’s first and second order upwind schemes, and MacCormack’s second order space centered scheme with the TVD artificial viscosity term. For each scheme several difficulties have been adequately treated such as the correct implementation of the source term. The performances of the numerical methods have been investigated by simulating examples from literature and comparing the results obtained both with experimental points and among themselves. Specifically, the schemes were compared by simulating two test cases which involve the presence of an irregular geometry due to a constriction of the breach or a presence of a sill in the channel. The differences in accuracy among the schemes are negligible from an engineering point of view. These considerations, together with the quantification of the computational burden and with the simplicity of implementing the analysed schemes, allow useful considerations for future research.

DOI:

Year: 2005