FINITE-ELEMENT METHOD FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE SAINT VENANT EQUATIONS IN AN OPEN CHANNEL NETWORK

The finite-element method is often used for the solution of complicated partial differential equations. The method is especially effective for two- and three-dimensional (2-D, 3-D) problems. Its application to one-dimensional (1-D) problems is usually considered to be unsuitable. However, using the finite-element method for the Saint Venant equations one can obtain a solution algorithm equally effective as the best known difference schemes. In this paper the method is applied to the solution of the Saint Venant equations. Use of the method eliminates oscillations of type '2-DELTA-x', thus assuring a smooth and stable solution. An example from a real water channel network is analysed and the results obtained are compared with observations.