Comparison of numerical and physical hydraulic models, Masonboro Inlet, North Carolina: Appendix 2, Volume 1: numerical simulation of hydrodynamics (WRE)

Abstract : A two-dimensional finite difference tidal hydrodynamics model has been adapted to Masonboro Inlet, North Carolina. The model was initially calibrated to simulate prototype conditions of September and October 1969. Operational runs were then undertaken to simulate tides and currents corresponding to pre-project undeveloped inlet conditions of November 1964 and modified inlet and north jetty conditions of June 1967. For each case, the model was operated with mean and spring ocean tides. The tidal hydrodynamics model applied at Masonboro Inlet uses an explicit numerical solution of the basic equations of motion and the continuity equation. As structured, the model includes bathymetric data for the inlet, bottom roughness, inundated areas and other features of the system. Because of the size and detail required in the simulations, a dual-model approach is employed. In this technique a coarse grid model is utilized to compute tidal flows which in turn are applied as boundary conditions to a finer sub-model of the immediate inlet area. Special requirements necessary for sequential operation of the two models are presented. (Author)