gradually varied flow computation in channel networks

a novel algorithm is presented to compute the water surface profiles in steady, gradually varied flows of open channel networks. this algorithm allows calculation of flow depths and discharges at all sections of a cyclic looped open channel network. the algorithm is based on the principles of (1) decomposing the channel network into units that are as small as possible; (2) solving the smaller units using an appropriate method; and (3) connecting the solutions for the smaller units to obtain the final solution for the whole network using the shooting method and (4) an iterative newton–raphson technique for obtaining the network solution. obtained results show 56 percent reduction in cpu time compared with previous method.