Computational Hydraulics for Water Resources Engineering

Predicting how water moves through natural and engineered systems is critical for flood mitigation, infrastructure design, and environmental protection. This text-only course provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to computational hydraulics, translating complex fluid mechanics equations into practical numerical models. You will start with core terminology, foundational fluid dynamics, and the essential mathematical principles governing open channel and pipe flows. Next, you will learn how to discretize these governing equations using finite difference and finite volume methods. Finally, you will explore modern application workflows, including basic transient flow analysis and modern computational software logic. What you will learn: Understand the governing partial differential equations of fluid flow, including the Saint-Venant equations; Apply finite difference and finite volume discretization techniques to hydraulic equations; Set up stable numerical schemes for steady and unsteady open-channel flows; Analyze boundary conditions and stability criteria to ensure model accuracy; Model transient pipe flow and water hammer phenomena using computational methods. The course begins with essential theoretical foundations and mathematical definitions, then transitions into systematic numerical formulations and structured computational exercises. This course is designed for engineering students, hydrologists, and junior water resources engineers who want to build a strong foundation in hydraulic modeling without needing advanced prior simulation experience. Start building your computational hydraulics toolkit today.