MASCARET solves the Shallow Water Equations in 1D (Saint-Venant equations), possibly with non-hydrostatic effects. Finite differences or finite volumes numerical methods are used, depending on the flow regime: stationnary or transient, subcritical or transcritical. A model with interconnected compartments makes it possible to take into account inundation zones, relatively isolated from the major riverbed.
MASCARET can represent:
- Flood propagation and modelling of floodplains
- Submersion wave resulting from dam break
- Regulation of managed rivers
- Flow in torrents,
- Canals wetting
- Sediment Transport
- Water quality (temperature, passive tracers ...)
Examples of applications
Submersive wave
Breach simulation of the Bort-les-Orgues dam (France). Temporal evolution of the water level in the valley with rupture of the cascade of dams. MASCARET has been used for many studies of flood waves, it allows consideration of dry areas before the arrival of the wavefront, and the breaching - progressive or instantaneous – of secondary dams.
Low flow
Modelling the Old Rhine between Breisach and Kembs during low water (30 m3 / s) for the study of issues related to the upstream travel of salmon in the Old Rhine.
Flood spreading
Example of the modelling of floodplain of the Adour river with compound channel and cells.
Data Assimilation with MASCARET and R on a Reach of the Rhône River (France)
MASCARET in detail
MASCARET is composed of three hydrodynamic engines, which can be coupled with the module CASIER. These allow the hydraulic modelling of many conditions with various functionalities, and are composed of numerical methods which are particularly robust and efficient. The main aim of a calculation is the determination of water levels and flows in various branches of the hydraulic network.