A Comparison of Kinematic Flood Routing Methods

Abstract

<p> To provide a logical framework for the comparison of various methods of kinematic flood routing a general method of kinematic flood routing is developed.</p> <p> After presenting the general framework, the properties of the numerical model are investigated by: l. Algebraic examination of the finite difference scheme. 2.Numerical experiments using a high speed digital computer. 3. Comparison of the kinematic flood routing results with results of simulations using the complete one dimensional dynamic representation.</p> <p> Particular facets of the numerical kinematic model that were studied included: 1. The stability of the numeric schematizations. 2. The degree of approximation with the finite difference system. 3. The applicability of kinematic methods to unsteady flow systems. 4. Methods of extending the kinematic solutions to predict attenuation as well as translation of the flood wave through the channel systems. </p> <p> The results indicate that kinematic flood routing methods differ primarily in the point about which the finite difference equation is formulated, hereafter termed the nucleus, and that the general framework is capable of emulating such methods as the Muskinghum Method, other non-linear kinematic methods and reservoir routing. By varying the location of the nucleus the stability and degree of approximation is significantly altered. This results in the outflow hydrograph being sensitive to the location of the nucleus and the size of the finite difference steps.</p> <p> To facilitate further research and application of the methods outlined in the thesis, a computer program was developed to enable kinematic flood routing to be performed in a natural channel with arbitrary geometry. Furthermore, the data is compatible with a program that is capable of performing a flood routing analysis using a numerical solution of the complete Saint-Venant equations. Documentation of the computer program for kinematic analysis is included with this thesis.</p>