A Wind Driven Lake Circulation Finite Element Model for the Upper St. Marys River

by E. M. Yuen, (M.ASCE), Lawrence Technological Univ, Southfield, United States,
J. A. McCorquodale, (M.ASCE), Lawrence Technological Univ, Southfield, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The hydrodynamics of the Upper St. Marys River is simulated by a three dimensional steady state finite element model. The rigid lid and hydrostatic pressure assumptions are used in the development of the model. The model is designed to study wind induced current circulation in large bodies of water. Some of the model features include the use of upwinding finite element, modifications to allow for bottom slip and inflows/outflows at the boundaries. The model uses triangle elements which can accurately represent the geometry of the study area. Due to its quick computation speed for current circulation dynamics under different wind and inflow/outflows conditions, a fine grid discretization is used on the Upper St. Marys River. The model was calibrated and verified using aerial photographs of the area and as well as current meter data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and from the firm of Integrated Exploration Limited.

Subject Headings: Finite element method | Water circulation | Three-dimensional models | Hydrologic models | Mathematical models | Rivers and streams | Numerical models | Ontario | Canada

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