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Review of literature on the finite-element solution of the equations of two-dimensional surface-water flow in the horizontal plane

Circular 1009
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1009

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Abstract

Published literature on the application of the finite-element method to solving the equations of two-dimensional surface-water flow in the horizontal plane is reviewed in this report. The finite-element method is ideally suited to modeling two-dimensional flow over complex topography with spatially variable resistance. A two-dimensional finite-element surface-water flow model with depth and vertically averaged velocity components as dependent variables allows the user great flexibility in defining geometric features such as the boundaries of a water body, channels, islands, dikes, and embankments. The following topics are reviewed in this report: alternative formulations of the equations of two-dimensional surface-water flow in the horizontal plane; basic concepts of the finite-element method; discretization of the flow domain and representation of the dependent flow variables; treatment of boundary conditions; discretization of the time domain; methods for modeling bottom, surface, and lateral stresses; approaches to solving systems of nonlinear equations; techniques for solving systems of linear equations; finite-element alternatives to Galerkin's method of weighted residuals; techniques of model validation; and preparation of model input data. References are listed in the final chapter.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Review of literature on the finite-element solution of the equations of two-dimensional surface-water flow in the horizontal plane
Series title Circular
Series number 1009
DOI 10.3133/cir1009
Edition -
Year Published 1987
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. G.P.O.,
Description vi, 61 p. :ill. ;28 cm.
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