MEFH allows simulating the tidal propagation in bidimensional hydrodynamic systems using the finite element resolution technique. More precisely, shallow water equations are integrated in space employing the finite element method, while for the time integration a two levels semi-implicit method of resolution is used. In this way, in any step of calculation, three different and symmetrical matrixes are solved, two for velocities and one for levels. Advantages using this model are manifold. On one hand, the two levels semi-implicit method, if applied to the equations in the linearized form, is unconditionally stable; on the other hand, the iterative numerical method used ensures anyhow the convergence of the solution, established with a previously definable approximation among the model parameters.

Finally, it is known that finite element models for their peculiarity to represent, without any distortion, the jagged contours of the lagoons and to follow the current and flow lines in such complex hydrodynamic systems, offer consistent and incontestable advantages over any other type of models, as, for instance, finite difference and finite volume models.

Hydrodynamic Analysis

• It analyzes transient motion conditions in complex bidimensional hydrodynamic systems.
• It calculates the values of velocities and levels in any point of the hydrodynamic system.

• It allows calibrating the optimal values of roughness, considering empirical measuring data for levels and velocity in the control points as well as flows in the related measurement sections.