Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HYDROCOUPLE (A Coupled Finite Element Framework for Multi-Physics Environmental Flows)
Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-08-31
The overarching objective in HYDROCOUPLE is the development of new physics-based numerical models and numerical approximation methods to be used in hydrological studies. Our motivation is based on the observation that hydrological models used in Europe, and Norway in particular, is to a large extent based on historical data and knowledge. Due to changing climate conditions, the use of such data becomes less relevant as the current “average” conditions is far from the historical average. This has led to both severe floods and drought conditions sending energy costs in Norway to historic levels. Modeling techniques based on the numerical approximation of the underlying governing laws of physics, i.e. partial differential equations, allows us to develop models of higher fidelity that can inform decision makers with more reliable forecasts of hydrological conditions. Hence, HYDROCOUPLE has the potential to help optimize hydropower production, and subsequently lower energy costs for European consumers. On the other hand, high fidelity models can also be used to study floods and in the design of infrastructure and aid emergency managers during disasters when planning evacuations.
While the project was terminated extremely early as the PI got a permanent position as associate professor, we have made significant advancements. At the time of conclusion, we were focused on WP2 T2.1 “Extend and analyze the monolithic coupling scheme to one- and two-dimensional flow models in environmental fluid mechanics”, and no subsequent task was initiated. To develop our numerical methodology, we were dependent on accurate computerized descriptions of the domains of hydrological interest, i.e. finite element meshes that are used as input to compute numerical approximations. To this end, we developed a technique to import geometry from a hydrological modeling software into our finite element solver, See Figure 1 for an example of a discretization of the forest north of Oslo.
Figure 1 Mesh of "Nordmarka" north of Oslo(attached)
To also aid the development of other hydrological simulations, contributions to other mesh generation capabilities were also made in https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocs.2022.101856(opens in new window). This work has already been incorporated by other researchers who has been in contact with us in their research. Since the modeling of these phenomena is highly dependent on the available data as well as the uncertainty in this data, some focus was also given to the study of uncertainties in numerical models of hydrological systems: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2022.115873(opens in new window).
Figure 1 Mesh of "Nordmarka" north of Oslo(attached)
To also aid the development of other hydrological simulations, contributions to other mesh generation capabilities were also made in https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocs.2022.101856(opens in new window). This work has already been incorporated by other researchers who has been in contact with us in their research. Since the modeling of these phenomena is highly dependent on the available data as well as the uncertainty in this data, some focus was also given to the study of uncertainties in numerical models of hydrological systems: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2022.115873(opens in new window).
As the project was ended after only four months, no tangible results other than the two publications were delivered. However, the work has spurred significant interest from the Norwegian hydrology community and initial results are promising. The project participants have continued the work and are seeking funding from other sources to add the required manpower needed to ensure its successful completion. Hence, the key to future uptake and success is funding and continued research.