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

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.