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Hydrologic Physical Modeling

Physical modeling is a physical representation of a system. It is a simplified representation of the real world phenomena used to understand the behavior of a system.  Physical modeling can be implemented in all aspects of hydrology.  One such example of physical modeling done is by John D. Hewlett, who built a series of sluices at the Cowetta Experimental Forest in Asheville, North Carolina.  These concrete sluices allowed Hewlett to model the quantity and speed of model flowing through groundwater down a slope.  These concrete sluices are still at Cowetta today and still being used for hillslope hydrology and biogeochemistry experiments today.

There are two types of physical models in hydrology: Scale models and Analog models.

HYDROLOGIC PHYSICAL MODELS

I. SCALE MODELS

A. 1D MODELS

1. SOIL CORE
2. STREAM FLOW

B. 2D MODELS

1. HELE - SHAW (X,Z) MODEL

   

   • VADOTRON
   • FRESH WATER LENS
   • GROUND WATER FLOW MODEL
2. X,Y MODEL
   • VICKSBURG (US ARMY)
   • CHESAPEAKE BAY
   • PLOT STUDIES

C. 3D MODEL

1. PLOT STUDIES (MODEL DRAIN)
2. WIND TUNNEL 

II. ANALOG MODELS

A. ELECTRICAL

• CONDUCTIVITY PAPER

• RESISTOR – CAPACITOR NETWORKS

B. HEAT

• THEIS SOLUTION

Scale Models

Scale models are a duplicate of a system in different scale. The model will have a similar physical property with the prototype with a scale that fits the working environment. The main problem with scaling in hydrology is that fluids may not act the same in different scales, therefore adjustment with dimensionless numbers may be necessary. Dimensionless numbers such as,

Reynolds number Re

Froude number Fr

Analog Models

Analog models represent a system with a different system which is easier to produce or understand. For example we can represent a hydrologic system or highway traffic flows using an Electrical system (conductor paper).

See also:

Analogical models

Scale model

Physical model

Statistical model

Hydrological modelling

References: