Most complex physical phenomena can be described by nonlinear equations, specifically, differential equations. In water engineering, nonlinear differential equations play a vital role in modeling physical processes. Analytical solutions to strong nonlinear problems are not easily tractable, and existing techniques are problem-specific and applicable for specific types of equations. Exploring the concept of homotopy from topology, different kinds of homotopy-based methods have been proposed for analytically solving nonlinear differential equations, given by approximate series solutions. Homotopy-Based Methods in Water Engineering attempts to present the wide applicability of these methods to water engineering problems. It solves all kinds of nonlinear equations, namely algebraic/transcendental equations, ordinary differential equations (ODEs), systems of ODEs, partial differential equations (PDEs), systems of PDEs, and integro-differential equations using the homotopy-based methods. The content of the book deals with some selected problems of hydraulics of open-channel flow (with or without sediment transport), groundwater hydrology, surface-water hydrology, general Burger’s equation, and water quality.

Features:

• Provides analytical treatments to some key problems in water engineering

• Describes the applicability of homotopy-based methods for solving nonlinear equations, particularly differential equations

• Compares different approaches in dealing with issues of nonlinearity