A hydraulic model is a physical or mathematical representation used to study the behavior of fluids, particularly water, in various systems. These models help engineers and scientists understand how water flows in rivers, lakes, and man-made structures like dams and pipelines. By simulating real-world conditions, hydraulic models can predict how changes in design or environment will affect water movement and pressure. There are two main types of hydraulic models: scale models and numerical models. Scale models are physical replicas built to a smaller size, while numerical models use computer algorithms to simulate fluid dynamics. Both types are essential for designing efficient water management systems and ensuring safety in hydraulic engineering projects.