Fluids & atmospheric physics › Dam-break simulation
Dam-break hydrodynamics laboratory
Release a reservoir into a downstream channel and investigate flood-wave speed, depth, momentum, friction and obstacles.
What to notice
Water depth creates hydrostatic pressure against the dam. When a breach opens, conservation of mass and momentum produces a fast-moving surge. Greater reservoir depth and breach width increase discharge; slope accelerates the flow, while roughness, absorption and obstacles remove energy.
∂h/∂t + ∂(hu)/∂x = 0 · p = ρgh · Q = bhv · Fr = v/√(gh)
Educational shallow-water model. Do not use it for structural design, emergency planning or real flood-risk prediction.