The study of free-surface flow is fundamental in various areas of engineering, such as fluvial hydraulics, water management in agriculture and hydraulic infrastructure design. However, the teaching and learning process can present challenges due to the complex nature of the flow, the need to understand differential equations governing it and the difficulty in visualizing its behavior under real conditions. To facilitate this process, IBER software is presented as an applicable teaching tool, allowing the numerical simulation of free-surface flow by solving the shallow water equations.

IBER is a two-dimensional model that combines hydrodynamics, turbulence and a sediment transport module, and uses the finite volume method to solve the corresponding equations. The use of IBER software in an educational context enables students to interact with digital flow models, understand the influence of topography and other factors on water behavior and develop practical skills in hydraulic modelling. In this practice, we will use IBER to simulate the flooding of a rice field, analyzing how land levelling affects water distribution and reinforcing theoretical concepts through a visual and interactive experience. During the session, students will learn how to set up a simulation domain in IBER, define boundary conditions, assign hydraulic parameters and analyze the results obtained.

Through this activity, students will develop an understanding of the concept of free-surface flow, its behavior on level and irregular surfaces, and the importance of numerical modelling in agricultural planning. This practical exercise will enable students to hone their ability with hydraulic modelling software and consolidate foundational principles of fluid mechanics applied to agricultural engineering and the management of crop water.

Keywords: Iber software, hydrodynamic model, free-surface flow, agricultural engineering, didactic tools.