Deterministic Modeling Project

The project provides general advice and assistance in application of flow models used in the WRD. Additionally, the project provides user support and program enhancements for several flow models used by the USGS, WRD. Among the models supported are:

SAC: slope-area analysis program. It is used to compute discharge from highwater elevation measurements. Program documentation is OFR 94-360, "User's Guide to SAC, A Computer Program for Computing Discharge by Slope-Area Method".

CAP: culvert analysis program. It is usually used to compute discharge through culverts from highwater elevation measurements. The program can also be used ito compute rating surfaces or curves that describe the behavior of flow through a culvert. Results can be used in unsteady flow models. The program is based on the procedure described in TWRI book3, chapter A3, "Measurement of Peak Discharge at Culverts by Indirect Methods". Program documentation is OFR 95-137, "User's Guide to the Culvert Analysis Program".

FESWMS: finite element surface water modeling system. It is a 2-D depth averaged finite element flow model. It may be used to model steady or unsteady flows and can include the flow effects of culverts and weir flow. The effects of bed friction and turbulence stresses are included in the equations solved as are, optionally, surface wind stresses and Coriolis forces. Density is assumed constant. The model has frequently been used to model the effects of bridge constructions on flood plain flows. Program documentation is FHWA-RD-88-177, "Finite Element Surface-Water Modeling System: 2-D Flow in a Horizontal Plane".

FOURPT: 1-D unsteady flow model for stream networks. It is a 1-D unsteady flow model that is used to model flow in networks of open channels. The 1-D flow equations are solved using a 4 point implicit finite difference method. The equations solved include the effect of channel sinuosity and variable water density. Optionally, the equations solved can represent either the dynamic-wave, diffusion-wave or kinematic wave form of the 1-D unsteady flow equations. Draft documentation is available..

For additional information contact the Chief, Deterministic Modeling Project.

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U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
Maintainer: Office of Surface Water
Last update: 13:04:30 Tue 11 May 2004
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