Simulation of dam‐ and dyke‐break hydrodynamics on dynamically adaptive quadtree grids

Flooding due to the failure of a dam or dyke has potentially disastrous consequences. This paper presents a Godunov‐type finite volume solver of the shallow water equations based on dynamically adaptive quadtree grids. The Harten, Lax and van Leer approximate Riemann solver with the Contact wave restored (HLLC) scheme is used to evaluate interface fluxes in both wet‐ and dry‐bed applications. The numerical model is validated against results from alternative numerical models for idealized circular and rectangular dam breaks. Close agreement is achieved with experimental measurements from the CADAM dam break test and data from a laboratory dyke break undertaken at Delft University of Technology.