Abstract
An analytical study of unsteady open channel flow such
as occurs in tidal estuaries produces via the principles
of continuity and momentum a pair of hyperbolic partial
differential equations. Partial differential equations
are introduced because the properties of velocity and
depth in the channel are varying with time as well as
distance. Although an explicit solution to these
equations is not available the method of characteristics
can be used to transform the partial differential equation
into two pairs of total differential equations which
can be solved by a first order finite - difference technique.
Numerical solutions can then be obtained on a
digital computer.
The basic equations of unsteady flow are presented in
Chapter 1. of this thesis together with method of
characteristics transformation.
A computer program for solution of unsteady flow problems
in a tidal river with one tributary is described in
Chapter 2. The program is written in the Fortran IV
compiler language.
A study of tidal conditions in the Richmond River in
northern Mew South V/ales was carried out. The results of
the study are compared in Chapter 3, with field measurements
taken by the N. S. W. Department of Public Works.