Development of a branching canal network hydraulic model

This study provides irrigation professionals and novices with a tool to address issues related to the interaction between design and operation of the conveyance and distribution system. The study illustrates the development of a mathematical model based on solving the integrated form of Saint Venant"s equations to simulate canal filling, operating, and draining phases, bulk lateral outflow or inflow into the section being modeled, and control structure scheduling (gate-stroking) of a branching canal network. The model can be used in evaluating unlimited "What if ... " questions on planning, design, management, and operational issues. The model represents a unique set of integrated modules that can be used to better assess the reality in dealing with flow conditions prevailing in canals and thus to identify constraints and opportunities to increase manageability of the system. The model"s highlights are: (1) it simulates closely the behavior of existing canal networks making it acceptable by operating staff; (2) its input, output, and operation meets the needs of different categories of users; (3) the computer program optimizes the computation and memory allocation giving the software the highest possible level of simulation performance on microcomputers; and (4) the computer program has state-of-the-art algorithms and modules that prevent hydraulic simulation errors, numerical instability, and divergence of the solution. (Author abstract, modified)