A Godunov‐type fractional semi‐implicit method based on staggered grid for dam‐break modeling

A semi‐implicit finite volume model based upon staggered grid is presented for solving shallow water equation. The model employs a time‐splitting scheme that uses a predictor–corrector method for the advection term. The fluxes are calculated based on a Riemann solver in the prediction step and a downwind scheme in the correction step. A simple TVD scheme is employed for shock capturing purposes in which the Minmond limiter is used for flux functions. As a consequence of using staggered grid, an ADI method is adopted for solving the discretized equations for 2‐D problems. Several 1‐D and 2‐D flows have been modeled with satisfactory results when compared with analytical and experimental test cases. The model is also capable of simulating supercritical as well as subcritical flow. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.