Review of Computational River Dynamics by Weiming Wu: Taylor and Francis; 2008; 494 pp. Paperback, ISBN: 9780415449601. Price: $69.95. Hardback, ISBN: 9780415449618. Price: $189.95.

This book is a brand new addition to the sparse literature on computational river dynamics. It covers a very important subject: the numerical modeling of fluvial processes including turbulent flows in rivers, sediment transport, and the deformation of alluvial channels. This book is very welcome as it provides a worthy synthesis of knowledge in one of the fast growing fields of hydraulic engineering. Books on computational hydraulics and on sediment transport and river mechanics exist; however, the treatment of computational river dynamics, which integrates these areas, has thus far been limited to papers and reports. This book thus fills a gap in the literature.

With his background from China, studies in Europe, and practice in the United States, the author presents this subject from a unique international perspective. The author states that computational river dynamics is an engineering science rather than applied mathematics. He also adds that not only must successful numerical modelers possess knowledge about numerical techniques, but they must also have enough experience in river engineering. The author intends this book to be used primarily as a reference for river scientists and engineers. It can also be used as a textbook for civil engineering students at the graduate level.

The book is divided into 12 chapters: (1) Introduction; (2) Mathematical description of flow and sediment transport; (3) Fundamentals of sediment transport; (4) Numerical methods; (5) 1-D numerical models; (6) 2-D numerical models; (7) 3-D numerical models; (8) Domain decomposition and model integration; (9) Simulation of dam-break fluvial processes; (10) Simulation of flow and sediment transport in vegetated channels; (11) Cohesive sediment transport modeling; and (12) Contaminant transport modeling. A brief preface and consistent notation precede the main chapters, followed by a robust list of references and a six-page index.

The most interesting aspect of this book is the comprehensive and detailed presentation of algorithms for the calculation of various aspects of numerical modeling of deformable channels. The notation has been carefully selected, and, with more than 1,200 algorithms and equations often spanning several lines, the author should be commended for double-checking all algorithms. Once hydraulics and sedimentation parameters are combined, this verification is a formidable task, and the transparency of the presentation tremendously enhances the readability of this book.

Chapters 4 through 7 constitute the core of the book and about half the designated space. For instance, Chapter 4 includes the main algorithms to be expected from such a text, e.g., the leapfrog, Lax-Wendroff, Crank-Nicholson, and Preissmann schemes; FDI and ADI methods; finite volume and Marker and Cell approaches; QUICK, SOUCUP, and HLPA algorithms; as well as solutions to algebraic equations such as the Jacobi, Gauss-Seidel, ADI, and SIP iteration methods. Chapter 5 covers kinematic and diffusive wave modeling, channel confluences, branches and networks, steady and unsteady flow modeling, coupled and uncoupled sediment modeling, and bank erosion modeling. Chapter 6 displays methods for depth-integrated models, flow in curved channels, dispersion of flow momentum, bedload and suspended sediment modeling. Chapter 7 presents a full 3-D hydrodynamic model, MAC and VOF methods, SIMPLE algorithms, and scour around in-stream structures like flow around bridge piers and headcut propagation.

Mathematically savvy readers will undoubtedly find a plethora of algorithms in this book. The author presents the material in a consistent manner with a straightforward notation understandable to all hydraulic engineers with an adequate mathematical background. Unfortunately, the book will appeal mostly to proficient numerical modelers, and the readership could somehow have been extended. For graduate students, it is interesting that the concepts of accuracy, consistency, stability, and convergence are briefly listed in Chapter 4. An application example, however, would have been tremendously beneficial to the student readers. Most practitioners may also find themselves left out in the cold because many mainstream codes have seemingly been entirely ignored. For instance, there is no mention of standard codes like HEC-6, GSTARS, or UNET in the index. It should certainly have been acknowledged that there are many similar computer codes available on the market. A brief summary of existing codes and their availability would have been a tremendous contribution to this book. The author also includes some examples from his earlier work. For a book on the subject of numerical modeling, the addition of free software and perhaps worked examples would have made this book a lot more appealing to the broader scientific community. Free software in this field is abundant, and indications from the author as to where it can be found would have made this book a lot more appealing.

The publisher should be commended for the high quality of the overall presentation. All equations have been tediously and correctly typeset with an attractive font. Figures may be sparse at times, but of good size and quality. The paperback version is appropriately priced and affordable to the intended readers.

In summary, this book fills one of the sorely needed gaps in hydraulic engineering literature. The topic is fascinating, and readers will find a substantial digest of algorithms for the calculation of hydraulics and sediment transport in deformable channels. The book is particularly well suited for savvy numerical modelers. The straightforward notation and apparently flawless presentation of the algorithms are commendable attributes. The readership could have been expanded since practitioners will not find reference to the most commonly used models like HEC-6. The lack of freeware and worked examples may also limit readership among students and practitioners. The publisher is also commended for the careful layout and quality of the presentation and the appropriate pricing of the paperback.