Optimal stormwater runoff path by identifying gravitational potential energy function with the least energy path

Abstract

This study identifies a stormwater runoff path that has the least energy value, which is proposed to be defined from the principle of the potential energy function. The runoff path is one of the most important issues for underdeveloped and new cities. Due to the dangerous impact associated with global warming increasing the number of rain flood incidents around the globe, this study proposes a model to predict the stormwater runoff path based on the least energy principle. Previously, researchers have used many techniques and models in designing the stormwater runoff path, yet many of those existing techniques and models are not sufficient with the enormous environmental warming changes. This study investigates the optimal stormwater runoff path by using the principle of potential energy function for a grid mapping in a city. The grid has three coordinates (longitude, latitude, and elevation) that simulate the city's natural terrain. The proposed model uses the three coordinates in the potential energy function to calculate the energy value of the stormwater runoff path. It is based on the gravitational potential energy of each elevation of a city terrain grid. Moreover, the study used an optimization method (Dijkstra's algorithm) to find the path that has the least energy value among the infinite number of paths between two points of different altitudes and longitude. The least energy path, the path between the two distinct starting and ending points, was gained as a result of this study. The path can be generated for predicting or designing the stormwater runoff path for any city. The results and performance of the proposed design have been tested and reported.