Vertically-Integrated and Moment Equations For Non-Hydrostatic Flow Modelling Matlab Platform

Abstract

The majority of the software platforms designed for non-hydrostatic shallow water flow modelling rely on the solution of computational-costly three-dimensional flow models or depth-averaged Boussinesq-type models that require optimization of dispersive terms. In this field, an unexplored but reliable alternative is the Vertically-Averaged and Moment (VAM) equations model. This work presents a MATLAB software platform for one-dimensional non-hydrostatic flow modelling using the VAM model. First, the VAM governing equations are introduced, whichuse the weighted residual method to account for the non-hydrostatic and non-uniform characteristics of flow. Then, the structure of the user-friendly graphical interface is described. Finally, the model is applied to two nearshore and open-channel non-hydrostatic flow tests. The comparison of the results with experimental data highlights the accuracy of the VAM model and the potential of the present software for modelling non-hydrostatic flows.