Hermite-Galerkin Model for Dam-Break Floods

by David C. Froehlich, Univ of Kentucky, Lexington, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

A model based on the finite element method using cubic Hermite basis functions and Galerkin weighting was formulated to solve the partial differential equations that govern unsteady one-dimensional flow in meandering open channels having cross sections of arbitrary shape. The numerical solution scheme was found to be accurate and computationally robust. The actual failure of a dam on Laurel Run near Johnstown, Pennsylvania that occurred on July 20, 1977 was simulated using the model. Computed maximum water-surface elevations and peak flow rates caused by the dam-break flood compared favorably with measured values.

Subject Headings: Dam failures | Fluid flow | Flow measurement | Finite element method | Floods | Unsteady flow | Failure analysis | Pennsylvania | United States

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