Open Access

ARTICLE

Dam-break model with Characteristic-Based Operator-Splitting Finite Element Method

Da-guo Wang^1,2, Leslie-George Tham², Qing-xiang Shui¹

1 School of Environment and Resource, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
2 Department of Civil and Structural Engineering,The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2013, 91(5), 355-376. https://doi.org/10.3970/cmes.2013.091.355

Abstract

A finite element method, which is the characteristic-based operatorsplitting (CBOS) algorithm, is adopted to solve unsteady incompressible Navier- Stokes (N-S) equations. In each time step, the equations are split into the diffusive part and the convective part. The convective part is discretized using the characteristic Galerkin method and solved explicitly. The moving interface is captured by the pseudo-concentration method, thus, a new dam-break model is established. Through the validation of a dam-break onto a downstream dry bed or wet bed, it is shown that the present model can accurately simulate the moving interface flows. We also study dam-break in a confined reservoir and the dam-break wave impact on a spur dike. The complexity of the interface shape occurring in the different stages, including the gradual formation of the air bubble in the case of dam-break in a confined reservoir, and the generation of dam-break wave, the overtopping the spur dike and the impacting on the downstream seabed in the case of the dam-break wave impact on a spur dike, can be obtained.

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Keywords

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