Abstract: Based on analysis of importance of the ship lock′s filling and emptying system and the characteristics of different research methods for relevant hydraulic problems， a composite model which combines a local physical model with a mathematical model is developed for ship lock with a concentrated filling and emptying system. And the reliability of the composite model is tested and verified by physical model experiment data of two backing projects. At the same time， the composite model is successfully applied to a practical project and the comprehensive results which accord with the relevant requirements of criterion and design are obtained from experimental studies. Research results show that the composite model for ship lock with a concentrated filling and emptying system can ensure accurate research results， furthermore， it will save a great deal of costs and time compared with the physical model experiments. Therefore， it is a new research method especially suitable for the ship lock with low head.