USGS

A Model For Simulation of Flow in Singular and Interconnected Channels

U.S. Geological Survey, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, Book 7, Chapter C3

By R.W. Schaffranek, R.A. Baltzer and D.E. Goldberg

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Preface

The series of manuals on techniques describes procedures for planning and executing specialized work in water-resources investigations. The material is grouped under major headings called books and further subdivided into sections and chapters; section C of Book 7 is on computer programs.

This chapter presents a digital computer model for simulating the unsteady flow regimen occurring in a singular reach or throughout a system of reaches composed of simply or multiply connected one-dimensional-flow channels governed by time-dependent forcing functions and boundary conditions. The model is broadly applicable to a wide range of hydrologic conditions and field situations. Channel geometry need not be prismatic. Reach lengths of the branches and segments used in the model need not be equal. Procedures to be followed in implementing the model to a specific field application are presented in a straightforward, step-by-step manner. Operational modeling capability is achieved by linking the model to a highly efficient storage-and-retrieval routine that accesses a data base containing time series of boundary values. This operational capability is enhanced by optional linkage to an extensive set of digital graphics subroutines. Although the model is well tested and will efficiently produce reliable flow computations for a wide variety of field applications, the user is reminded that achieving successful simulation modeling is not dependent solely on employing a well-formulated model. The user's knowledge and understanding of hydrodynamic principles, his willingness to recognize and abide by the limitations inherent in the model, his imagination and skill seasoned by experience in schematizing the prototype for modeling, and his common-sense ability to recognize errant data or results are important attributes, all contributing to successful simulation modeling.

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