A layer‐integrated approach for shallow water free‐surface flow computation

A novel semi-three-dimensional (semi-3D) layer-integrated approach was proposed in this study for the shallow water free-surface flow computation. A quadratic shape function proposed to approximate the velocity distribution in the layer ensures the continuity of velocities and shear stresses at interfaces. To discretize the governing equations, the finite volume formulation with staggered grid is used. As the two-dimensional (2D) sub-model for locating the free surface is not needed in this approach, the computational time consumption has been dramatically reduced. The model was verified through the wind-induced circulation in a closed basin by comparing the velocity profiles to the analytical solution. The formation of the velocity profiles due to change of viscosity distribution and the evolution process of water surface slope were also investigated. Further, the eddy viscosity is estimated by a function related to discharge, water depth, and Manning's n under the assumption of parabolic distribution of longitudinal velocity along the vertical direction for open channel flows. Two designed hypothetical cases were conducted to examine the proposed eddy viscosity relation and to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed model. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.