Variable domain finite element analysis of free surface gravity flow

A variable domain finite element method is presented for the solution of problems in gravity flow with free surfaces. Novel features of the method are the use of a functional with a variable domain of integration and a finite element mesh that can adapt automatically to all compatible variations in the domain. The finite element solution gives the streamlines and the flow rate associated with any stagnation level and system geometry. The method is applied to flow over spillway and gives results that agree extremely well with experimental data.