HYDRODYNAMIC SIMULATION OF THE SUEZ CANAL; A WATER BODY CONNECTING TWO OPEN SEAS

Abstract

The Suez Canal is an important water-transport route all over the world. Two hydrodynamic issues related to the flow within the canal are worthy of consideration: sedimentation in the northern section of the canal and high velocity current in the southern section of the canal. To address the sedimentation issue, a large program of dredging works is being undertaken. A numerical model is presently being developed to simulate flow in the canal with a special attention paid to the south part. This model is the focus of the present study. The model is a two-dimensional depth averaged finite element model utilizing independent open boundaries at the north and south ends of the canal. The radiation and modified long wave boundary conditions are compared. Due to its accuracy and flexibility to suit different forcing conditions, the radiation boundary condition shows superiority over the modified long-wave formulation. The simulation results reflect most of the physical phenomena observed in the canal.