Numerical Modeling of Mixed Flows in Storm Water Systems: Critical Review of Literature

Mixed flows in storm water systems (SWSs) generate a set of complex phenomena that are difficult to capture in modeling. Shock-fitting and shock-capturing techniques are the two main numerical approaches employed today, but these require a number of assumptions and simplifications that can compromise their accuracy. As a result, the current software and models are unable to adequately simulate the complex multiphase, multiregime, and flow instabilities that result from mixed flow. Significant contributions going back to the 1960s have used models to better understand mixed flows and sought to integrate the obtained data into the SWS design process. This paper reviews these attempts and compares and evaluates the models currently in use. It constitutes a valuable resource for new researchers in the field and professional readers looking for ways to make decision making in SWS more efficient.