Channel Routing

Continuity equation
Hydrologic Routing
Hydraulic Routing
Momentum Equation

Simulate the movement of water through a channel

Used to predict the magnitudes, volumes, and
temporal patterns of the flow (often a flood wave)
as it translates down a channel.
2 types of routing : hydrologic and hydraulic.
both of these methods use some form of the
continuity equation.

Continuity Equation
Continuity equation
Hydrologic Routing
Hydraulic Routing
Momentum Equation

The change in storage (dS) equals the difference

between inflow (I) and outflow (O) or :

dS
= I -O
dt
For open channel flow, the continuity equation
is also often written as :

A Q
+
=q
t x

A = the cross-sectional area,

Q = channel flow, and
q = lateral inflow

Hydrologic Routing
Continuity equation

Hydrologic Routing
Hydraulic Routing
Momentum Equation

Methods combine the continuity equation with some

relationship between storage, outflow, and possibly
inflow.
These relationships are usually assumed, empirical,
or analytical in nature.
An of example of such a relationship might be a
stage-discharge relationship.

Use of Manning Equation

Continuity equation
Hydrologic Routing
Hydraulic Routing
Momentum Equation

Stage is also related to the outflow via a relationship

such as Manning's equation

1.49
Q
ARh S f
n
2

Hydraulic Routing
Continuity equation

Hydrologic Routing
Hydraulic Routing

Momentum Equation

Hydraulic routing methods combine the continuity equation

with some more physical relationship describing the actual
physics of the movement of the water.
The momentum equation is the common relationship
employed.
In hydraulic routing analysis, it is intended that the
dynamics of the water or flood wave movement be more
accurately described

Momentum Equation
Continuity equation
Hydrologic Routing

Expressed by considering the external forces acting on a

control section of water as it moves down a channel

Hydraulic Routing
Momentum Equation

v
v g ( y A) vg
+V
+
+ = g( S o - S f )
t
x A 2x
A

Henderson (1966) expressed the momentum equation as :

y v v 1 v
S f = So - x g x g t

Combinations of Equations
Continuity equation

Simplified Versions :

Hydrologic Routing
Hydraulic Routing
Momentum Equation

S f = So -

y v v 1 v
x g x g t

Unsteady -Nonuniform

S f = So -

y v v
x g x

Steady - Nonuniform

S f = So -

y
x

Diffusion or noninertial

Sf = So

Kinematic

Routing Methods
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic

Modified Puls
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

The modified puls routing method is probably most often

applied to reservoir routing
The method may also be applied to river routing for
certain channel situations.
The modified puls method is also referred to as the
storage-indication method.
The heart of the modified puls equation is found by
considering the finite difference form of the continuity
equation.

Modified Puls
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

I 1 + I 2 - ( O1 + O 2 = S 2 - S 1
2
2
t

2 S1
2
- O1 = S 2 + O 2
t
t

I1+ I2 +

Continuity Equation

Rewritten

The solution to the modified puls method is accomplished by

developing a graph (or table) of O -vs- [2S/t + O]. In order
to do this, a stage-discharge-storage relationship must be
known, assumed, or derived.

Modified Puls Example

Given the following hydrograph and the 2S/t + O curve, find the
outflow hydrograph for the reservoir assuming it to be completely full
at the beginning of the storm.
The following hydrograph is given:

Discharge (cfs)

Hydrograph For Modified Puls Example

180
150
120
90
60
30
0
0

Time (hr)

10

Modified Puls Example

The following 2S/t + O curve is also given:

2S/ t + O (cfs)

2S/ t + O curve for Modified Puls

example
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
0

10

20

30

40

Outflow (cfs)

50

60

70

Modified Puls Example

A table may be created as follows:
Time
(hr)

In
(cfs)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

In+In+1
(cfs)

2Sn/t - On 2Sn/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)

On+1
(cfs)

Modified Puls Example

Next, using the hydrograph and interpolation, insert the Inflow
(discharge) values.
For example at 1 hour, the inflow is 30 cfs.
In
(cfs)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
30
60
90
120
150
180
135
90
45
0
0
0

In+In+1
(cfs)

2Sn/t - On 2Sn/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)

On+1
(cfs)

Hydrograph For Modified Puls Example

180
150

Discharge (cfs)

Time
(hr)

120
90
60
30
0
0

Time (hr)

10

Modified Puls Example

The next step is to add the inflow to the inflow in the next time step.
For the first blank the inflow at 0 is added to the inflow at 1 hour to
obtain a value of 30.
Time
(hr)

In
(cfs)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
30
60
90
120
150
180
135
90
45
0
0
0

In+In+1 2Sn/t - On 2S n/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)
(cfs)
30

On+1
(cfs)

Modified Puls Example

This is then repeated for the rest of the values in the column.
Time
(hr)

In
(cfs)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
30
60
90
120
150
180
135
90
45
0
0
0

In+In+1 2Sn/t - On 2Sn/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)
(cfs)
30
90
150
210
270
330
315
225
135
45
0
0
0

On+1
(cfs)

Modified Puls Example

The 2Sn/t + On+1 column can then be calculated using the following
equation:
2 S1
2 S2
- O1 =
+ O2
t
t

I1+ I2 +

Note that 2Sn/t - On and On+1 are set to zero.

Time
(hr)

In
(cfs)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
30
60
90
120
150
180
135
90
45
0
0
0

In+In+1 2Sn/t - On 2S n/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)
(cfs)
30
0
90
30
150
210
270
330
315
225
135
45
0
0
0

On+1
(cfs)
0

30 + 0 = 2Sn/t + On+1

Modified Puls Example

Then using the curve provided outflow can be determined.
In this case, since 2Sn/t + On+1 = 30, outflow = 5 based on the graph
provided.

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
30
60
90
120
150
180
135
90
45
0
0
0

In+In+1 2Sn/t - On 2Sn/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)
(cfs)
30
0
90
30
150
210
270
330
315
225
135
45
0
0
0

2S/ t + O curve for Modified Puls

example

On+1
(cfs)
0
5

t + O (cfs)

In
(cfs)

2S/

Time
(hr)

1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
0

10

20

30

40

Outflow (cfs)

50

60

70

Modified Puls Example

To obtain the final column, 2Sn/t - On, two times the outflow is
subtracted from 2Sn/t + On+1.
In this example 30 - 2*5 = 20
Time
(hr)

In
(cfs)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
30
60
90
120
150
180
135
90
45
0
0
0

In+In+1 2Sn/t - On 2Sn/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)
(cfs)
30
0
90
20
30
150
210
270
330
315
225
135
45
0
0
0

On+1
(cfs)
0
5

Modified Puls Example

The same steps are repeated for the next line.
First 90 + 20 = 110.
From the graph, 110 equals an outflow value of 18.
Finally 110 - 2*18 = 74
Time
(hr)

In
(cfs)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
30
60
90
120
150
180
135
90
45
0
0
0

In+In+1 2Sn/t - On 2Sn/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)
(cfs)
30
0
90
20
30
150
74
110
210
270
330
315
225
135
45
0
0
0

On+1
(cfs)
0
5
18

Modified Puls Example

This process can then be repeated for the rest of the columns.
Now a list of the outflow values have been calculated and the
problem is complete.
Time
(hr)

In
(cfs)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

0
30
60
90
120
150
180
135
90
45
0
0
0

In+In+1 2Sn/t - On 2Sn/t + On+1

(cfs)
(cfs)
(cfs)
30
0
90
20
30
150
74
110
210
160
224
270
284
370
330
450
554
315
664
780
225
853
979
135
948
1078
45
953
1085
0
870
998
0
746
870
0
630
746

On+1
(cfs)
0
5
18
32
43
52
58
63
65
65
64
62
58

Muskingum Method
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Sp = K O

Prism Storage

Sw = K(I - O)X

Wedge Storage

S = K[XI + (1-X)O]

Combined

Muskingum, cont...
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Substitute storage equation, S into the S in

the continuity equation yields :

dS
= I -O
dt

S = K[XI + (1-X)O]

O2 = C0 I2 + C1 I1 + C2 O1
C0 = -

Kx - 0.5t
K - Kx + 0.5t

C1 =

Kx + 0.5t
K - Kx + 0.5t

C2 =

K - Kx - 0.5t
K - Kx + 0.5t

Muskingum Notes :
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

The method assumes a single stage-discharge

relationship.
In other words, for any given discharge, Q, there can be
only one stage height.
This assumption may not be entirely valid for certain
flow situations.
For instance, the friction slope on the rising side of a
hydrograph for a given flow, Q, may be quite different
than for the recession side of the hydrograph for the
same given flow, Q.
This causes an effect known as hysteresis, which can
introduce errors into the storage assumptions of this
method.

Estimating K
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

K is estimated to be the travel time through the reach.

This may pose somewhat of a difficulty, as the travel

time will obviously change with flow.
The question may arise as to whether the travel time
should be estimated using the average flow, the peak
flow, or some other flow.
The travel time may be estimated using the kinematic
travel time or a travel time based on Manning's
equation.

Estimating X
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

The value of X must be between 0.0 and 0.5.

The parameter X may be thought of as a weighting coefficient for
inflow and outflow.
As inflow becomes less important, the value of X decreases.
The lower limit of X is 0.0 and this would be indicative of a
situation where inflow, I, has little or no effect on the storage.
A reservoir is an example of this situation and it should be noted that
attenuation would be the dominant process compared to translation.
Values of X = 0.2 to 0.3 are the most common for natural streams;
however, values of 0.4 to 0.5 may be calibrated for streams with
little or no flood plains or storage effects.
A value of X = 0.5 would represent equal weighting between inflow
and outflow and would produce translation with little or no
attenuation.

Did you know?

Lag and K is a special case of
Muskingum -> X=0!

More Notes - Muskingum

Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

The Handbook of Hydrology (Maidment, 1992)

includes additional cautions or limitations in the
Muskingum method.
The method may produce negative flows in the initial
portion of the hydrograph.
Additionally, it is recommended that the method be
limited to moderate to slow rising hydrographs being
routed through mild to steep sloping channels.
The method is not applicable to steeply rising
hydrographs such as dam breaks.
Finally, this method also neglects variable backwater
effects such as downstream dams, constrictions, bridges,
and tidal influences.

Muskingum Example Problem

A portion of the inflow hydrograph to a reach of channel is given
below. If the travel time is K=1 unit and the weighting factor is
X=0.30, then find the outflow from the reach for the period shown
below:

Time

C0I2

Inflow
0
1
2
3
4
5

3
5
10
8
6
5

C1I1

C2O1

Outflow
3

Muskingum Example Problem

The first step is to determine the coefficients in this problem.
The calculations for each of the coefficients is given below:

C0 = -

Kx - 0.5t
K - Kx + 0.5 t

C0= - ((1*0.30) - (0.5*1)) / ((1-(1*0.30) + (0.5*1)) = 0.167

Kx + 0.5 t
C1 =
K - Kx + 0.5 t
C1= ((1*0.30) + (0.5*1)) / ((1-(1*0.30) + (0.5*1)) = 0.667

Muskingum Example Problem

C2 =

K - Kx - 0.5 t
K - Kx + 0.5 t

C2= (1- (1*0.30) - (0.5*1)) / ((1-(1*0.30) + (0.5*1)) = 0.167

Therefore the coefficients in this problem are:
C0 = 0.167
C1 = 0.667
C2 = 0.167

Muskingum Example Problem

The three columns now can be calculated.
C0I2 = 0.167 * 5 = 0.835
C1I1 = 0.667 * 3 = 2.00
C2O1 = 0.167 * 3 = 0.501
Time

C0I2

Inflow
0
1
2
3
4
5

3
5
10
8
6
5

C1I1
0.835

C2O1
2.00

0.501

Outflow
3

Muskingum Example Problem

Next the three columns are added to determine the outflow at time
equal 1 hour.
0.835 + 2.00 + 0.501 = 3.34
Time

C0I2

Inflow
0
1
2
3
4
5

3
5
10
8
6
5

C1I1
0.835

C2O1
2.00

0.501

Outflow
3
3.34

Muskingum Example Problem

This can be repeated until the table is complete and the outflow at
each time step is known.

Time

C0I2

Inflow
0
1
2
3
4
5

3
5
10
8
6
5

C1I1
0.835
1.67
1.34
1.00
0.835

C2O1
2.00
3.34
6.67
5.34
4.00
3.34

0.501
0.557
0.93
1.49
1.31
1.03

Outflow
3
3.34
5.57
8.94
7.83
6.14

Muskingum Example - Tenkiller

Look at R-5

Reach at Outlet

K = 2 hrs
X = 0.25

K = 2 & 4 Hrs.
X = 0.25

K = 2, 4, & 6 Hrs.
X = 0.25

Lets Alter X
K = 2 hrs.

K = 2 hrs

K = 2 hrs

X = 0.25

X = 0.5

And Again....

K = 2 hrs

K = 2 hrs

X = 0.5

X = 0.05

Muskingum-Cunge
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Muskingum-Cunge formulation is similar to the

Muskingum type formulation
The Muskingum-Cunge derivation begins with the
continuity equation and includes the diffusion form
of the momentum equation.

These equations are combined and linearized,

Muskingum-Cunge
working equation
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Q Q
2Q

2 cqLat
t x
x
where :
Q =
t =
x =
qx =
c =
m =

discharge
time
distance along channel
lateral inflow
wave celerity
hydraulic diffusivity

Muskingum-Cunge, cont...
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Method attempts to account for diffusion by taking

into account channel and flow characteristics.
Hydraulic diffusivity is found to be :

Q
2 BS O

The Wave celerity in the x-direction is :

dQ
dA

Solution of Muskingum-Cunge
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes
t
+ 2x
k
C1 =
t
+ 2(1 - x)
k

C2 =

t
- 2x
k

t
+ 2(1 - x)
k

Solution of the Method is accomplished by

discretizing the equations on an x-t plane.
Q

n+1
= C 1 Q nj + C 2 Q nj+1 + C 3 Q nj+1 + C 4 Q L
j +1

2(1 - x) C3 =

t
k

t
+ 2(1 - x)
k

2
C4 =

t
+ 2(1 - x)
k

t
X

Calculation of K & X
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

x
k=
c

1
Q

X 1
2
BSO cx

Estimation of K & X is more physically based

and should be able to reflect the changing
conditions - better.

Muskingum-Cunge - NOTES
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Muskingum-Cunge formulation is actually considered an

approximate solution of the convective diffusion equation.
As such it may account for wave attenuation, but not for
reverse flow and backwater effects and not for fast rising
hydrographs.
Properly applied, the method is non-linear in that the flow
properties and routing coefficients are re-calculated at each
time and distance step
Often, an iterative 4-point scheme is used for the solution.
Care should be taken when choosing the computation
interval, as the computation interval may be longer than the
time it takes for the wave to travel the reach distance.
Internal computational times are used to account for the
possibility of this occurring.

Muskingum-Cunge Example

The hydrograph at the upstream end of a

river is given in the following table. The
reach of interest is 18 km long. Using a
subreach length x of 6 km, determine the
hydrograph at the end of the reach using the
Muskingum-Cunge method. Assume c =
2m/s, B = 25.3 m, So = 0.001m and no lateral
flow.

3
Time (hr) Flow (m /s)
0
10
1
12
2
18
3
28.5
4
50
5
78
6
107
7
134.5
8
147
9
150
10
146
11
129
12
105
13
78
14
59
15
45
16
33
17
24
18
17
19
12
20
10

Muskingum-Cunge Example
First, K must be determined.
K is equal to :

x
K
c

Is c a
constant?

x = 6 km, while c = 2 m/s

6km 1000m / km
K
3000seconds
2m / s

Muskingum-Cunge Example

The next step is to determine x.

1
Q

x 1
2
BSO cx
All the variables are known, with B =
25.3 m, So = 0.001 and x =6000 m,
and the peak Q taken from the table.

1
150m 3 / s
0.253
x 1
3
2
(25.3)(0.001)(2)(6000)m / s

3
Time (hr) Flow (m /s)
0
10
1
12
2
18
3
28.5
4
50
5
78
6
107
7
134.5
8
147

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

150
146
129
105
78
59
45
33
24
17
12
10

Muskingum-Cunge Example
The coefficients of the Muskingum-Cunge method can now be
determined.

C1

t
2x
K

t
2(1 x)
K

7200
2(0.253)
C1 3000
0.7466
7200
2(1 0.253)
3000

Using 7200 seconds or 2 hrs for

timestep - this may need to be
changed

Muskingum-Cunge Example
The coefficients of the Muskingum-Cunge method can now be
determined.

C2

t
2x
K

t
2(1 x)
K

7200
2(0.253)
C2 3000
0.4863
7200
2(1 0.253)
3000

Muskingum-Cunge Example
The coefficients of the Muskingum-Cunge method can now be
determined.

C3

2(1 x)

t
K

t
2(1 x)
K

7200
3000 0.232
C3
7200
2(1 0.253)
3000
2(1 0.253)

Muskingum-Cunge Example
The coefficients of the Muskingum-Cunge method can now be
determined.

C4

t
2

t
2(1 x)
K

7200
2

3000

C4
1.233
7200
2(1 0.253)
3000

Muskingum-Cunge Example

Then a simplification of the original formula can be made.

Q nj11 C1Q nj C2Q nj 1 C3Q nj1 C4QL

Since there is not lateral flow, QL = 0. The simplified

formula is the following:

Q nj11 C1Q nj C2Q nj 1 C3Q nj1

Muskingum-Cunge Example
A table can then be created in 2 hour time steps similar to the one
below:
Time (hr)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16

0 km
10
18
50
107
147
146
105
59
33

18
20
22
24
26
28

17
10
10
10
10
10

6 km

12 km

18 km

Muskingum-Cunge Example

It is assumed at time zero, the flow is 10 m3/s at each distance.

Time (hr)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28

0 km
10
18
50
107
147
146
105
59
33
17
10
10
10
10
10

6 km
10

12 km
10

18 km
10

Muskingum-Cunge Example
Next, zero is substituted into for each letter to solve the equation.

Q nj11 C1Q nj C2Q nj 1 C3Q nj1

Q11 C1Q00 C2Q01 C3Q10

Muskingum-Cunge Example
Using the table, the variables can be determined.

Q11 C1Q00 C2Q01 C3Q10

Time (hr)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28

0 km
10
18
50
107
147
146
105
59
33
17
10
10
10
10
10

6 km
10

12 km
10

18 km
10

Q00 10
Q01 18
Q10 10

Muskingum-Cunge Example
Therefore, the equation can be solved.
Time (hr)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28

0 km
10
18
50
107
147
146
105
59
33
17
10
10
10
10
10

6 km
10
13.89

12 km
10

18 km
10

Q11 C1Q00 C2Q01 C3Q10

Q11 (0.7466)(10) (0.4863)(18) (0.2329)(10)
Q11 13.89 m 3 / s

Muskingum-Cunge Example
Therefore, the equation can be solved.
Time (hr)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28

0 km
10
18
50
107
147
146
105
59
33
17
10
10
10
10
10

6 km
10
13.89
34.51

12 km
10

18 km
10

Q12 C1Q01 C2Q02 C3Q11

Q11 (0.7466)(18) (0.4863)(50) (0.2329)(13.89)
Q11 34.51 m 3 / s

Muskingum-Cunge Example
This is repeated for the rest of the columns and the subsequent columns to produce the following table. Note that
when you change rows, n changes. When you change columns, j changes.

Time (hr)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28

0 km
10
18
50
107
147
146
105
59
33
17
10
10
10
10
10

6 km
10
13.89
34.51
81.32
132.44
149.91
125.16
77.93
41.94
23.14
12.17
9.49
10.12
9.97
10.01

12 km
10
11.89
24.38
59.63
111.23
145.88
138.82
99.01
55.52
29.63
16.29
9.91
9.70
10.15
9.95

18 km
10
10.92
18.19
42.96
88.60
133.35
145.37
117.94
73.45
38.75
21.02
12.09
9.30
10.01
10.08

Look again at the Discretization

t
X

Things to Consider
As the wave comes into a reach:
the flow and depth go up and then down
the wave speed and ALL coefficients would
then change...
What effect would this have?

Full Dynamic Wave Equations

Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

The solution of the St. Venant equations is known as

dynamic routing.
Dynamic routing is generally the standard to which
other methods are measured or compared.
The solution of the St. Venant equations is generally
accomplished via one of two methods : 1) the method
of characteristics and 2) direct methods (implicit and
explicit).
It may be fair to say that regardless of the method of
solution, a computer is absolutely necessary as the
solutions are quite time consuming.
J. J. Stoker (1953, 1957) is generally credited for
initially attempting to solve the St. Venant equations
using a high speed computer.

Dynamic Wave Solutions

Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Characteristics, Explicit, & Implicit

The most popular method of applying the implicit technique
is to use a four point weighted finite difference scheme.
Some computer programs utilize a finite element solution
technique; however, these tend to be more complex in
nature and thus a finite difference technique is most often
employed.
It should be noted that most of the models using the finite
difference technique are one-dimensional and that two and
three-dimensional solution schemes often revert to a finite
element solution.

Dynamic Wave Solutions

Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Dynamic routing allows for a higher degree of accuracy

when modeling flood situations because it includes
parameters that other methods neglect.
Dynamic routing, when compared to other modeling
techniques, relies less on previous flood data and more on
the physical properties of the storm. This is extremely
important when record rainfalls occur or other extreme
events.
Dynamic routing also provides more hydraulic information
about the event, which can be used to determine the
transportation of sediment along the waterway.

Courant Condition?
Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

If the wave or hydrograph can travel through the

subreach (of length x) in a time less than the
computational interval, t, then computational
instabilities may evolve.
The condition to satisfy here is known as the Courant
condition and is expressed as :

dx
dt
c

Some DISadvantages

Modified Puls
Kinematic Wave
Muskingum
Muskingum-Cunge
Dynamic
Modeling Notes

Geometric simplification - some models are designed to use

very simplistic representations of the cross-sectional geometry.
This may be valid for large dam breaks where very large flows
are encountered and width to depth ratios are large; however,
this may not be applicable to smaller dam breaks where
channel geometry would be more critical.
Model simulation input requirements - dynamic routing
techniques generally require boundary conditions at one or
more locations in the domain, such as the upstream and
downstream sections. These boundary conditions may in the
form of known or constant water surfaces, hydrographs, or
assumed stage-discharge relationships.
Stability - As previously noted, the very complex nature of
these methods often leads to numeric instability. Also,
convergence may be a problem in some solution schemes. For
these reasons as well as others, there tends to be a stability
problem in some programs. Often times it is very difficult to
obtain a "clean" model run in a cost efficient manner.