A two-dimensional finite-element model for river flow inundation

Abstract

Current solutions to the problem of simulating river flood flows over reach lengths of 10-30 km are examined in terms of their ability to represent particular significant aspects of the flow physics. Inadequacies with such approaches are highlighted and an alternative method based on a two dimensional finite-element solution is suggested. This scheme is outlined and a discussion made of the analytical developments necessary that enable functional solutions to be obtained at the above scale. Numerical results are presented that establish the viability of this alternative modelling strategy.