Transient Hydraulic Model for Simulating Canal‐Network Operation

Abstract

Renewed interest in the role of delivery networks in farm‐level water‐use efficiency has prompted the development of a transient hydraulic simulation model for improving the operation and design of irrigation canal networks. Numerical solutions derived from surface‐irrigation analyses of the past decade provide fast and accurate applications in a microcomputer environment. The model can simulate the filling and operation of canals, and can handle bulk lateral outflow from turnouts and wasteway weirs. Gate settings can be computed by the model with the objective of maintaining stable flow depths at the downstream end of each canal reach, thus providing a basis for improved canal operation and more efficient water management. A description is given of the adaptation of surface‐irrigation hydraulic modeling theory for use in branching canal networks, and model verification results are presented.