Numerical Prediction and Comparison of Finite Element and Finite Difference Methods of Flood Routing

Abstract

The problems of flood wave propagation in bodies of waters caused by intense rains or floods represent a great challenge in mathematical modeling processes. With the progress of digital computers, the mathematical models become the great option in the analysis of this class problem. In this research, a finite element model developed for the prediction of flood routing in rivers. The developed model has been validated through comparing against other numerical model results and compared with observed data of a river reach. The developed model is capable of simulating the food hydrograph at any distance; the attenuation has been predicted accurately through the model. The results shows that the peak flow attenuation is non-linear trend in shape, which describes that at the initial stage, the attenuation of peak flow is greater as compared to the attenuation at the succeeding section/location at the downstream. However, this attenuation is going to be linear as the peak flow is moving towards the downstream end. The values for successive peak flow attenuation have also been computed which clearly demonstratethat this peak flow attenuation (PFA)has been diminished and remain negligible at some location on the downstream. The developed model is also capable of computing lag time which is necessary for the flood routing.