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Improving Steering Module Efficiency for Incremental Loading Finite Element Numeric ModelsKitchen, Ryan L. 22 March 2006 (has links) (PDF)
Engineers frequently use computerized numeric models to calculate and predict water levels and current patterns for rivers, bays, and other bodies of water. This computation often involves an iterative process known as incremental loading that can cause frustration and consume a lot of time. Although the steering module in the Surface-water Modeling System (SMS) automates incremental loading to minimize user interaction, it can still be very time consuming. This thesis examines the steering module and the incremental loading process to improve its efficiency. Specifically, the RMA2 and FESWMS models are utilized. Two methods of improving efficiency are examined. The first includes creating predicted solution files for each step of the incremental loading process. These predictions allow the steering module to take larger steps and decrease the computation time. The second method changes the algorithm used to determine the size of each step. Finally, the interface to the process was examined and simplified to require minimal input and to make the input more intuitive.
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Analysis of the Sediment Transport Capabilities of FESWMS FST2DHIpson, Mark K. 19 August 2006 (has links) (PDF)
Many numeric models simulate the transport of sediment within rivers and streams. Engineers use such models to monitor the overall condition of a river or stream and to analyze the impact that the aggradation and degradation of sediment has on the stability of bridge piers and other features within a stretch of a river or stream. A model developed by the Federal Highway Administration, FST2DH, was recently modified to include the simulation of sediment movement within a channel. The tools for modeling sediment movement with FST2DH remain unproven. This thesis examines the sediment capabilities of FST2DH. It evaluates the sediment results for reasonableness and compares the results to those obtained from a sediment transport model developed by the Army Corps of Engineers, SED2D WES. Resulting concentrations from another program created by the Army Corps of Engineers, SAMwin, provide additional data comparison for FST2DH sediment solutions. Several test cases for laboratory flumes give additional insight into the model's functionality. Finally, this thesis suggests further enhancements for the sediment capabilities of the FST2DH model and provides direction for future research of the sediment transport capabilities of FST2DH. Results show that FST2DH appropriately models sediment movement in channels with clear-water and equilibrium transport rate inflow conditions. Transport formulas found to be functional include the Engelund—Hansen, Yang sand and gravel, and Meyer-Peter—Mueller equations. FST2DH has difficulty modeling channels with user-specified inflow concentrations or transport rates, models with very small particles, models containing hydraulic jumps, and models with small elements. The test cases that successfully run to completion provide appropriate patterns of scour and deposition. Other trends in the results further verify the functionality of many of the sediment transport options in FST2DH.
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