This study investigates the use of similarity profiles for analyzing surface flows-specifically those occurring on overland and stream sections. The spatial behaviour of the flow depth is approximated by a sine function, so that the partial differential equations reduce to ordinary differential equations. Solutions of these reduced equations are obtained at a much smaller computational effort, with analytical solutions available in some cases. These solutions were then extended to study surface water movement over small watersheds. These watersheds can be represented as a sequence of cascading overland flow planes and streams. The performance of the similarity solutions was studied by comparing with results from other physically-based models and experimental observations. It was concluded that the similarity solutions are more robust, and almost as accurate as numerical solutions that are obtained from physically-based models. Good agreement with experimental results was found. The potential application of such solutions for surface flow modeling over watersheds will be discussed.
Similarity solutions for overland and stream flows to study watershed runoff
MORBIDELLI, Renato;CORRADINI, Corrado
1997
Abstract
This study investigates the use of similarity profiles for analyzing surface flows-specifically those occurring on overland and stream sections. The spatial behaviour of the flow depth is approximated by a sine function, so that the partial differential equations reduce to ordinary differential equations. Solutions of these reduced equations are obtained at a much smaller computational effort, with analytical solutions available in some cases. These solutions were then extended to study surface water movement over small watersheds. These watersheds can be represented as a sequence of cascading overland flow planes and streams. The performance of the similarity solutions was studied by comparing with results from other physically-based models and experimental observations. It was concluded that the similarity solutions are more robust, and almost as accurate as numerical solutions that are obtained from physically-based models. Good agreement with experimental results was found. The potential application of such solutions for surface flow modeling over watersheds will be discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.