Development of optimal and physically realizable unit hydrograph

Optimization techniques for deriving a unit hydrograph (UH) have received considerable attention. But the UHs derived in some studies are not physically justifiable as the recession limb has a wavy shape. This study extends an existing optimization model by introducing additional constraints to ensure a monotonic decline in the recession limb of the UH. Although there is a marginal deterioration of the objective function, the shape of the developed UH is physically correct. Moreover, the match between the observed and computed direct surface runoff hydrographs is close. 2006 ASCE.

Development of optimal and physically realizable unit hydrograph Academic Article