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importance of varying segment length vs volume

Tue, 02/02/2010 - 4:37pm — Kirk
I have heard that the model is most accurate when segment lengths are approximately equal. However, I have also heard that the volume difference between adjacent segments should be minimized. Unfortunately, I cannot have both. In the case of a rapidly expanding channel where a trib comes into a reservoir, would it be better to keep the segments of equal length (with hugely different volumes) or try to keep the segment volume as similar as possible? Thanks in advance, Kirk
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Hydrodynamics
Mon, 02/08/2010 - 12:04pm — chris

Hi Kurt, I'd keep the segment lengths the same or similar lengths. It's important to keep the change in volume between adjacent model cells not to large to maintain numerical stability, but stability also depends upon velocity. If there isn't much flow, this isn't as important. We generally use segments with similar lengths and this seems to work ok. Hope this helps, chris