Dam-break computations by a finite volume on dry regions

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents numerical solvers, based on the finite volume method. This scheme solves dam break problems on the dry bottom in 2D configuration. The difficulty of the simulation of this type of problem lies in the propagation of shocks on the dry bottom. The equation model used is the shallow water equations written in conservative form. The scheme used is second order in space and time. The method is modified to treat dry bottoms. The validity of the method is demonstrated over the dam break example. A comparison with finite elements shows the weakness and robustness of each method.