Multi-parametric sensitivity analysis of CCHE2D for channel flow simulations in Nile River

Multi-Parametric Sensitivity Analysis (MPSA) is proposed to determine the relative importance of the different empirical parameters controlling flow field. CCHE2D which is one of the famous public unsteady-flow simulation software is applied to simulate the flow field at Elbogdady reach, at the south of Luxor staff gauge, 712.80 km upstream of Roda’s staff gauge on the Nile River. The main purpose of the paper is to apply the model in the considered river reach and to assess the capabilities of CCHE2D. Moreover, the paper presents findings of the authors in determining the model’s sensitivity analysis. Multi-Parametric Sensitivity Analysis results show that flow field in Nile River is controlled mainly by the bed roughness coefficient. In addition, the empirical formula of Van Rijn (1984) is found to be more efficient to calculate bed roughness.

► Multi-Parametric Sensitivity Analysis (MPSA) is proposed to determine the relative importance of the different empirical parameters controlling flow field.
► The predictions of CCHE2D model using proposed empirical parameters are well verified and an accurate tool to predict the flow velocity along the Nile River and its branches.
► The multi-parametric sensitivity analysis procedure (MPSA) was applied to modify the proposed model abilities as a tool to simulate flow field in Nile River.
► MPSA was applied to the different available options of the roughness parameters of CCHE2D.
► The outputs of CCHE2D model using roughness height (Ks) is an accurate tool to predict the flow velocity in comparison with that use Manning's (n) parameter. The depth averaged flow velocity calculated from the model using Van Rijn's formula (1984) is higher than that from Wu and Wang's formula. The accuracy of the model was raised by about 12%.