Interactive engineering model
Muskingum prism and wedge storage
Move through a finely sampled flood wave and watch K, X, and the peak inflow reshape a tapered reach whose prism and wedge volumes carry the true K times O and K times X times (I minus O) storage split.
Preparing the 3D model...
A trapezoidal reach carries one tapered water body: the level prism below the outflow stage and the wedge between that level and the sloping surface, drawn so the two volumes hold the same ratio as the Muskingum prism and wedge terms. Inflow and outflow markers name the upstream and downstream faces, the reach lengthens with K, the section fills with the peak inflow, and the wedge flattens as X approaches zero and reverses on the recession limb. A finely sampled, stable subreach route compares inflow and outflow over the full routing duration.
Focus the 3D view and use the arrow keys to orbit, plus or minus to zoom, and Home to reset the view.
Text explanation and non-WebGL fallback
A trapezoidal reach carries one tapered water body: the level prism below the outflow stage and the wedge between that level and the sloping surface, drawn so the two volumes hold the same ratio as the Muskingum prism and wedge terms. Inflow and outflow markers name the upstream and downstream faces, the reach lengthens with K, the section fills with the peak inflow, and the wedge flattens as X approaches zero and reverses on the recession limb. A finely sampled, stable subreach route compares inflow and outflow over the full routing duration.
The numeric controls and readouts remain usable if WebGL is unavailable. Drag or swipe the 3D view to orbit and use a wheel or pinch gesture to zoom. With the 3D view focused, use the arrow keys to orbit, plus or minus to zoom, and Home to reset. The complete numeric lesson is also keyboard-accessible in the adjacent controls and readouts. This model is an educational aid and does not replace applicable design standards or professional review.