• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.2B
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• pp.199-209
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• 2010

A finite element model for analyzing surface water flow was developed. Shallow water equation was discretized and solved by Galerkin and Newton-Raphson method. Triangular or rectangular elements can be mixed together to construct meshes. The algebraic equation was solved by frontal method which is very efficient in finite element problem. The developed model was applied to rectangular meandering channel with two bends and transverse velocities and water depth distributions were examined. High velocity was located near the inner bank at the apexes of the bends and velocity distribution was symmetrical about the centerline at the midsection of two bend and super elevation also occurred. Simulation results showed very good agreement with measured data. Another numerical simulation was carried out in mild, steep, adverse and abrupt bottom change slope and channels with weir. 12 water surface profiles of gradually varied flow were correct in terms of hydraulic interpretation.