Numerical modelling of shallow water flow in two dimensions is presented in
this work with the results obtained in dam break tests. Free surface flow
in channels can be described mathematically by the shallow-water system of
equations. These equations have been discretized using an approach based on
unstructured Delaunay triangles and applied to the simulation of two-dimen
sional dam break flows. A cell centred finite volume method based on Roe's
approximate Riemann solver across the edges of the cells is presented and t
he results are compared for first- and second-order accuracy. Special treat
ment of the friction term has been adopted and will be described. The schem
e is capable of handling complex flow domains as shown in the simulation co
rresponding to the test cases proposed, i.e. that of a dam break wave propa
gating into a 45 degrees bend channel (UCL) and in a channel with a constri
ction (LNEC-IST). Comparisons of experimental and numerical results are sho
wn. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.