Model Library

Delft3D 4 Suite (Delft3D)

Model name: Delft3D 4 Suite (Delft3D)

Developed by: Deltares (Last update: 2024)

Model type: 2D/3D process-based hydrodynamic waterbody model

Computational requirements: 64 -bit Windows 10 (latest) or Linux (Ubuntu is not supported), minimum 1.5 GHz of processor (preferred 3 GHz), 2 GB of RAM (preferred 4 GB), 10 GB of free space (preferred 100 GB)

Software requirements: Windows: Intel Fortran compiler, Cmake; Linux: Cmake version 3.20.6 or higher, GNU Libtool version 2.4.2, GNU C++ compiler version 3.4.6, GNU Fortran compiler 4.9.1.

Link to download model

Capabilities and Limitations:

Capabilities

  • 3D simulation of Delft3D-Flow effectively simulates vertical flow variations due to wind, Coriolis force, and topography (Li et al., 2024);
  • It is particularly suitable for simulating water temperature stratification, stratified flow, and density flow phenomena in lakes and reservoirs (Li et al., 2024);
  • The Delft3D suite includes various modules that can operate independently or in coupled mode (De Goede, 2020; Zhu, 2022);
  • It features one of the most user-friendly GUI in the market (Deltares, n.d.-a);
  • It is constantly supported by the developers;
  • It can export data to Google Earth (Deltares, n.d.-b).

Limitations

  • It uses structured grids in 3D modeling (Deltares, n.d.-b);
  • Commercial version of Delft3D is not free of charge;
  • Higher grid resolution in Delft3D-Flow may be necessary to achieve uniform depth-averaged velocities across the study area (Parsapour-Moghaddam et al., 2018);
  • It only achieves good parallel computing efficiency with a limited number of cores (tens) (De Goede, 2020).

Model Inputs and Outputs:

Inputs

Bathymetry data, bottom surface roughness coefficient (Manning’s n), canal flows, climatic forcings (precipitation, evaporation, wind velocity, wind direction, air temperature, and humidity), and water temperature.

Outputs

It simulates hydrodynamics, salinity, temperature and sediment dynamics, phytoplankton and water-quality coupling infrastructure, and linkage to a habitat suitability model, wave module, and sediment transport module.

Examples:

References

Huff, T. P., Feagin, R. A., & Figlus, J. (2022). Delft3D as a tool for living shoreline design selection by coastal managers. Frontiers in Built Environment, 8, 926662. 
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2022.926662

 Li, W., Chen, X., Xu, S., et al. 
(2024). Effects of storm runoff on the spatial–temporal variation and stratified water quality in Biliuhe Reservoir, a drinking water reservoir. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31, 19556–19574. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-32431-w

Objectives

The main goal of this study was to answer the following question: How will living shoreline designs alter waves and flow velocities, within the context of a complex dual inlet system that is adjusting to sea level rise?

The specific aims were: (1) reveal the inflow dynamics and variations of water quality in the reservoir during the storm runoff period; (2) explore the effect of storm runoff on reservoir thermal stratification; (3) understand the impact of storm runoff on the vertical distribution of turbidity and help managers to select the appropriate water-intake height to reduce the outflow of high turbidity water.