Author(s): X. Ying; A. A. Khan; S. S. Y. Wang
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Dam-break flow; Upwind; Weighted average water-level-gradient
Abstract: A numerical model for one-dimensional dam-break flows is developed based on the conservative form of the Saint Venant equations for open channels with general crosssection. The finite volume method is used to solve the governing equations. The intercell flux is computed by upwind method and water-level-gradient is evaluated by weighted average of both upwind and downwind gradient. Therefore, the conservation of mass and momentum are guaranteed. The proposed scheme is extensively tested with various examples, including idealized dam-break problems in channels with rectangular and triangular cross-sections, and partial dam-break problem. Comparisons between numerical and exact solutions or experimental data demonstrated that the proposed scheme is capable to accurately predict various open channel flows, which include subcritical, supercritical flows and transitions from one to the other. Although the scheme is simple, the results are comparable with some of second-order TVD schemes and approximate Riemann solvers. The scheme is inherently robust, stable and monotone. No special treatment, such as introducing artificial viscosity and front-tracking technique, is required even if there are steep gradients or discontinuities in the solution.
Year: 2003