Improved implementation of the HLL approximate Riemann solver for one-dimensional open channel flows

Abstract

Several new techniques are proposed to overcome the deficiencies in the conventional formulation of the approximate Riemann solvers for onedimensional open channel flows, which include numerical imbalance and inaccuracy in the solution of discharge. The former arises in the case of irregular geometry and the latter in the presence of a hydraulic jump. These new techniques include: (1) adopting the form of the saint venant equations that include both gravity and pressure in one source term; (2) using water surface level as one of the primitive variables, in stead of cross-sectional area; (3) defining discharge at interface and evaluating it according to the flux obtained by the HLL Riemann solver; and (4) estimating water surface gradient based on piecewise linearly reconstructed variables in the second-order scheme. The performance of the resulting schemes is evaluated by means of theoretical analysis and various test examples, including ideal dam-break flows with dry and wet bed, hydraulic jump, steady flow over bump with hydraulic jump, wave interactions, tidal flow in an open channel, and wave propagation. it is demonstrated that the schemes have excellent numerical balance and mass conservation property and are capable of satisfactorily reproducing various open channel flows.