Design of a tidal channel friction simulator

ABSTRACT In an electrical analogue of a tidal channel the simulation of friction by electrical resistance poses a serious problem, since hydraulic friction between two sections depends not only on the discharge but also on the existing water depth, while a normal electrical resistance element is independent of either current flowing through it or of the potential difference across it. In this paper an attempt has been made to develop an analogue electronic circuit, using transistors and diodes, the resistance of which varies in the same non-linear fashion as does friction in its prototype.