Development of a graphical user interface for WBNM

The focus of this research project was the analysis of the process of designing a new Graphical User Interface (GUI) for a computer model, with specific application to the design of a new GUI for the rainfall-runoff model Watershed Bounded Network Model (WBNM). The primary outcome of the project was the development of iWBNM, an Excel-based spreadsheet interface to the WBNM hydrologie engine. The development process of iWBNM included the review of several similar computer models and the application of general engineering design guidelines to the specific task of designing a new user interface. In its completed form, iWBNM presents the hydrologie modeller with a user-friendly and efficient method of building a rainfall-runoff model. A secondary outcome of the project was the development of algorithms for sorting subcatchments and for quickly running a spectrum of storm Average Recurrence Intervals (ARIs) for a single storm duration. The sorting algorithm sorts a list of subcatchments based on simple stream connectivity and on the more complex connectivity arising from structures and diversions. The storm duration algorithm uses a bracketing approach to reduce the number of model runs needed to establish the critical storm duration for a whole range of ARI. A third outcome of the project was the analysis of the effect of the Embedded Design Storm procedure on the critical duration of a catchment. It was found that the critical embedded design burst was significantly lower than the critical duration generated by the standard design storm approach. This was primarily due to the lead-up rainfall in the embedded storm routine. design burst was significantly lower than the critical duration generated by the standard design storm approach. This was primarily due to the lead-up rainfall in the embedded storm routine.low in the airways, an analytical solution is able to be determined. However, to do so depends on the validity of a modified Dini expansion of a function. This is established so that the operational and analytical solutions can be compared.