Numerical solution for tidal flow in opening channel using combined MacCormack - finite analysis method

A new numerical scheme for solving the tidal flow in an opening channel using the advective-diffusion shallow-water equations as the governing equations is proposed based on the combination of the MacCormack and the finite analysis methods. In the present scheme, the finite analysis method is used to discretize the momentum equation and the MacCormack technique is used to discretize the continuity equation in a single grid system. The matrix of the discretized momentum equation is characterized by predominantly main diagonal elements, which ensures favorable convergence and stability for the numerical simulation by the combined method. To verify the present method, hydraulics simulation is carried out for a section down mainstream of the Huangpu River. The computational results agree with the measured data. By use of orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system, the methods can be easily extended to the numerical simulation of the tidal flow in a tortuous channel.