Analysis of Dynamic Wave Model for Unsteady Flow in an Open Channel

The models for flood propagation in an open channel are governed by Saint-Venant’s equations or by their simplified forms. Assuming the full form of hyperbolic type nonlinear expressions, the complete or dynamic wave model is obtained. Hence, after first-order linearization procedure, the dispersion relation is obtained by using the classical Fourier analysis. From this expression, the phase and group speed and the variations of the amplitude of the waves are defined and investigated. Adopting Manning’s resistance formula, the effects of the variations of the Froude number, Courant number, and friction parameter are examined in the wave number domain for progressive and regressive waves. For small and high wave numbers, the simplified kinematic and gravity wave models are recovered, respectively. Moreover, the analysis confirms, according to the Vedernikov criterion, the Froude number value corresponding to the stability condition to contrast the development of roll waves. In addition, for stable flow on the group speed versus wave number curves, the results show critical points, maximum and minimum for progressive and regressive waves, respectively.