Overview

openKARST simulates flow through karst conduit networks using a dynamic-wave formulation. A model combines a graph-like conduit geometry, hydraulic properties, numerical settings, initial conditions, and boundary conditions.

Mental model

An openKARST simulation can be read as:

Where can water move?
  Network geometry

What are the conduit properties?
  Lengths, diameters, roughness, and elevations

How should the solver behave?
  Time step, Courant number, Picard iteration settings

How is the system forced?
  Inflow and water-depth boundary conditions

What should be saved?
  Result arrays and observation time series

Main objects

Object	Role
OpenPNM network	Provides a graph object and stores node and conduit properties. It is not used for hydraulic computations.
FlowSimulation object	Holds the hydraulic state and advances the model in time.
Boundary conditions	Prescribe inflow or water depth at selected nodes.
Results container	Stores selected arrays at output intervals.
Observation recorders	Store node-based time series for selected variables and selected node groups.

Units

Use SI units consistently:

Quantity	Unit
Length, diameter, water depth	m
Time	s
Volumetric flow rate	m^3/s
Water density	kg/m^3
Dynamic viscosity	Pa s
Gravity	m/s^2

Modeling scope

openKARST is designed for conduit-network flow simulations. It supports transient and steady-state style runs, circular conduit geometries, channel geometry for analytical comparisons, and browser-based inspection of results. Development is actively extending the modeling framework toward coupled conduit-aquifer simulations and physically based infiltration models.