Title: Discharge calculations in natural streams using cubic spline method

Authors: La'aly A. Al-Samrraie; Bashaar Y. Ammary; Kamel K. Al-Zboon

Addresses: Water and Environmental Engineering Department, Huson College, Balqa Applied University, Huson 21510, Jordan ' Water and Environmental Engineering Department, Huson College, Balqa Applied University, Huson 21510, Jordan ' Water and Environmental Engineering Department, Huson College, Balqa Applied University, Huson 21510, Jordan

Abstract: Discharge in natural open channels and streams is calculated in this paper using cubic spline interpolation and MATLAB. An algorithm is introduced that calculate the ground surface of the channel and the velocity distribution through smoothing of the data obtained from the field. The smoothing of natural channels and of velocity produces greater accuracy than linear interpolation usually applied. This is true as natural channels are smooth due to shear applied by moving water at the channel bottom and the smooth gradual change in velocity of water in the channel. This algorithm helps in constructing a rating curve for stream flow by calculating discharge in channels with specific positions and geometric characteristics for different water levels.

Keywords: cubic splines; discharge calculations; natural streams; area calculation; MATLAB; rating curve; hydrology; channel ground surface; velocity distribution; natural channels; stream flow; water levels.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2015.069278

International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 2015 Vol.5 No.1, pp.34 - 50

Received: 24 Sep 2014
Accepted: 01 Jan 2015
Published online: 07 May 2015 *

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