Numerical Simulating Open-Channel Flows with Regular and Irregular Cross-Section Shapes Based on Finite Volume Godunov-Type Scheme

Abstract

A numerical model based on the Saint-Venant equations (one-dimensional shallow water equations) is proposed to simulate shallow flows in an open channel with regular and irregular cross-section shapes. The Saint-Venant equations are solved by the finite-volume method based on Godunov-type framework with a modified Harten, Lax, and van Leer (HLL) approximate Riemann solver. Cross-sectional area is replaced by water surface level as one of primitive variables. Two numerical integral algorithms, compound trapezoidal and Gauss–Legendre integrations, are used to compute the hydrostatic pressure thrust term for natural streams with arbitrary and irregular cross-sections. The Monotonic Upstream-Centered Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL) and second-order Runge–Kutta methods is adopted to achieve second-order accuracy in space and time, respectively. The performance of the resulting scheme is evaluated by application in rectangular channels, trapezoidal channels, and a natural mountain river. The results are compared with analytical solutions and experimental or measured data. It is demonstrated that the numerical scheme can simulate shallow flows with arbitrary cross-section shapes in practical conditions.