Spurious Numerical Oscillations in the Preissmann Slot Method: Origin and Suppression

Abstract

This paper investigates the source of the spurious numerical oscillations often observed in simulations using the well-known Preissmann slot method and proposes a nonoscillatory numerical fix that can efficiently suppress the numerical oscillations. The root of these oscillations is identified by comparing the orbits calculated by a first-order Godunov type model with an ideal numerical orbit in the phase plane. It is found that in the very thin layer in the vicinity of the conduit roof the numerical model has insufficient numerical viscosity to avoid the often-observed oscillations. In order to remove these spurious oscillations, an approximate Riemann solution is proposed that automatically enhances the numerical viscosity whenever the water level is in the vicinity of the conduit roof and the pressurization of the conduit is proximate. A comparison of results from the proposed model with both experimental data and analytical solutions show that it can provide nonoscillatory solutions over a wide range of the wave velocities ranging from 10 to 1,000 m/s. Furthermore, the proposed model effectively controls data smearing.