Abstract:

In the field of Physics, and even more in Engineering, is very attractive the use of models in laboratory for the analysis of complex phenomena. However, Civil Engineering often faces natural processes which are difficult to be reproduced in lab. For these cases, numerical simulations are a satisfactory alternative because of flexibility and capacity to analyse large time and space-scale processes.

A good example of this are hydraulic analysis of floods, which are extreme events of low frequency in nature and high impact. This kind of studies requires a detailed knowledge of the governing equations and input data. So it is vital to get students involved in deepest understanding of them to be aware of the effect of any physical parameter considered in the analysis.

This goal was achieved by the use of a freeware numerical model, Linux-based, to analyse a real stream under extreme conditions of rainfall. This model enables the user to modify and define boundary conditions, governing equations and almost every parameter related to the phenomena.

Through this tool a new point of view is shown to students who have to face an analysis from an open point of view as researchers. It is a valuable contribution to their education in such a Degree, mainly focused on practical problems.

As a last challenge, they were encouraged to repeat the analysis with a commercial model, in order to compare every step: input data needs, calculation difficulties, results accuracy, possibilities of complex cases studies

Keywords:

Numerical models, Hydraulics, Fluvial.