Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

Physical and Numerical Modeling: Hydraulic Constructions and Law of Similarity

Description

This lecture covers the basics of physical and numerical modeling in river hydraulics, focusing on hydraulic constructions and the law of similarity. It explains the step-by-step process of digital simulation, the importance of physical modeling, and the decision support for model selection. The lecture emphasizes the significance of model testing, the challenges in achieving perfect similarity between models and prototypes, and the key dimensionless numbers used in modeling. It also discusses the principles of similarity, the Navier-Stokes equations, and the importance of accurate measurements in both physical and numerical modeling.

Instructors (3)

Stéphanie Joëlle André

Azin Amini

Education: MSc.: Structural Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran, 2002 Master Thesis: "Three dimensional analysis of crack propagation in Latiyan butress dam using smeard crack model" BSc.: Civil Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran, 2000

Giovanni De Cesare

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Hydraulics

Hydraulics () is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids. At a very basic level, hydraulics is the liquid counterpart of pneumatics, which concerns gases. Fluid mechanics provides the theoretical foundation for hydraulics, which focuses on applied engineering using the properties of fluids. In its fluid power applications, hydraulics is used for the generation, control, and transmission of power by the use of pressurized liquids.

Hydraulic machinery

Hydraulic machines use liquid fluid power to perform work. Heavy construction vehicles are a common example. In this type of machine, hydraulic fluid is pumped to various hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders throughout the machine and becomes pressurized according to the resistance present. The fluid is controlled directly or automatically by control valves and distributed through hoses, tubes, or pipes.

Similitude

Similitude is a concept applicable to the testing of engineering models. A model is said to have similitude with the real application if the two share geometric similarity, kinematic similarity and dynamic similarity. Similarity and similitude are interchangeable in this context. The term dynamic similitude is often used as a catch-all because it implies that geometric and kinematic similitude have already been met. Similitude's main application is in hydraulic and aerospace engineering to test fluid flow conditions with scaled models.

Hydraulic cylinder

A hydraulic cylinder (also called a linear hydraulic motor) is a mechanical actuator that is used to give a unidirectional force through a unidirectional stroke. It has many applications, notably in construction equipment (engineering vehicles), manufacturing machinery, elevators, and civil engineering. A hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic actuator that provides linear motion when hydraulic energy is converted into mechanical movement. It can be likened to a muscle in that, when the hydraulic system of a machine is activated, the cylinder is responsible for providing the motion.

Reynolds number

In fluid mechanics, the Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless quantity that helps predict fluid flow patterns in different situations by measuring the ratio between inertial and viscous forces. At low Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be dominated by laminar (sheet-like) flow, while at high Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be turbulent. The turbulence results from differences in the fluid's speed and direction, which may sometimes intersect or even move counter to the overall direction of the flow (eddy currents).

Related lectures (34)

Flow in Charged Pipes: Singular Pressure Laws

Explores singular pressure drops, load losses, and laws of nodes and meshes in hydraulic networks.

Hydropower Innovations: Water Turbines and Pump-Turbines

Covers the importance of water turbines and pump-turbines in advancing hydropower technology and sustainability.

Inviscid Flows: Understanding Fluid Dynamics

Explores inviscid flows, Reynolds number importance, linear deformations, and volume change in fluid dynamics.

Flow in Charged Pipes: Losses and Equations

Explores flow in charged pipes, emphasizing pressure losses and energy dissipation due to internal friction and hydraulic constructions.

River Hydraulics and Development