Abstract

Electric circuits and river networks share similarities in both their network structure and derivation from conservation principals. However, the disciplines have evolved separately and developed widely different methods and models. This paper presents the foundations for network analysis for both disciplines and shows how numerical methods developed for circuit simulations can significantly improve river network models. The equations, models, and jargon are described, providing a reference for future studies to transfer knowledge across disciplinary boundaries.

Rivers and Electric Networks

Electric circuits and river networks share similarities in both their network structure and derivation from conservation principals. However, the disciplines have evolved separately and developed widely different methods and models. Rivers and Electric Networks: Crossing Disciplines in Modeling and Simulation presents the foundations for network analysis for both disciplines and shows how numerical methods developed for circuit simulations can significantly improve river network models.

Rivers and Electric Networks: Crossing Disciplines in Modeling and Simulation is aimed at electrical and hydraulic engineers/scientists who work on network problems. It introduces the reader to the jargon and relationships between these disciplines, explains the physics of both systems and draws out their similarities and differences. In the process, it presents an example of how numerical methods from microchip circuit analysis have been used in modeling a river network to a level of detail that previously was not possible.

Rivers and Electric Networks: Crossing Disciplines in Modeling and Simulation is an ideal primer for engineers and researchers from both disciplines and an excellent reference for future studies to transfer knowledge across their disciplinary boundaries.