Análisis de los patrones hidráulicos en configuraciones morfológicas de ríos de montaña a través de la aplicación de un modelo numérico bidimensional (2D)

Abstract

This study examines hydraulic patterns in mountain rivers using a two-dimensional numerical model (Iber 2D) applied to three characteristic morphologies: cascade, step-pool, and plane bed. The goal is to compare the accuracy of various methodologies for estimating the resistance coefficient, a key factor in predicting flow rate, velocity, and water level. This coefficient is influenced by factors such as bed roughness and channel morphology, which are essential for achieving realistic simulations in complex fluvial environments. Several methodologies were evaluated, including dimensionless and semi-logarithmic equations, the decomposition method, and image-based analysis, across three flow conditions. Results, measured using the RMSE metric, indicate that dimensionless methodologies, such as those proposed by Cedillo and Ferguson, achieve higher accuracy in complex settings like cascades and high flow rates, while semi-logarithmic and decomposition methods show limitations in low-flow and plane bed conditions. Incorporating a k-epsilon turbulence model enhances the representation of flow dynamics by capturing mixing and energy exchange phenomena, which are critical in highly turbulent scenarios. These findings provide a solid foundation for optimizing methodologies in future studies and improving precision in water resource management in mountain rivers, underscoring the importance of selecting suitable methods for each morphology and flow regime.