Case studies for solving the saint-venant equations using the method of characteristics: Pipeline hydraulic transients and discharge propagation

Abstract

This study aims to present a hydraulic transitory study as MOC applications for solving the Saint-Venant equations in two case studies: 1) in a penstock of a small hydropower system as a simple pipeline in the case of valve-closure in the downstream boundary with a reservoir in the upstream boundary; and 2) for discharge propagation into a channel by velocity and depth of the flow channel along space evaluation. The proposed methodology by Chaudry [5] concerning the development of hydrodynamic models was used. The obtained results for first and second case study has been confirmed that MOC numerical approach is useful for several engineering purposes, including cases of hydraulic transients and discharge propagation in hydraulic systems.