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Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Section 3
Learning Outcomes:
1. Differentiate between open channel flow and
pipe flow
2. Define and explain on the types of flow
3. Identify the state of flow and flow regimes
4. Define open channel geometries
Chapter 1. Flow in Open Channel
Tahan river rapids
y Free surface
T
Flow
u
A y
θ x
B
Datum
Figure. Sketch of open channel geometry
Free surface
θ
Sw = water surface slope
Flow Q y d
So = bottom slope θ x
Datum
T = top width
B = bottom width
1.1 Geometric Elements
d. Hydraulic radius R is the ratio of the flow area A to wetted perimeter P.
A
R=
P
A y
P
B
Table. Open channel geometries
Area Top width Wetted perimeter
Channel shape
A T P
T
y By B B + 2y
B
Rectangular
T
1 y zy2 2zy 2y 1 + z 2
z
Triangular
T
1 y By + zy2 B + 2zy B + 2y 1 + z 2
z
B
Trapezoidal
T
D2 sinθ θD
(θ − sinθ ) D
D y 8 2 2
θ
Circle θ in radian θ in angle θ in radian
1.2 Types of Open Channel
• Prismatic and non-prismatic channels
Prismatic channel is the channel which cross-sectional shape, size
and bottom slope are constant. Most of the man-made (artificial)
channels are prismatic channels over long stretches. Examples of
man-made channels are irrigation canal, flume, drainage ditches,
roadside gutters, drop, chute, culvert and tunnel.
All natural channels generally have varying cross-sections and
therefore are non-prismatic. Examples of natural channels are tiny
hillside rivulets, through brooks, streams, rivers and tidal estuaries.
Natural chute (falls) on the left and man-made logging chute on the right
on the Coulonge River, Quebec, Canada
Storm sewer
1.3 Types / Classification of Open Channel Flows
Open channel flow conditions can be characterised with respect to space
(uniform or non-uniform flows) and time (steady or unsteady flows).
Space - how do the flow conditions change along the reach of an open
channel system.
a. Uniform flow - depth of flow is the same at every section of the
flow dy/dx = 0
b. Non-uniform flow - depth of flow varies along the flow dy/dx ≠ 0
Time - how do the flow conditions change over time at a specific section
in an open channel system.
c. Steady flow - depth of flow does not change/ constant during
the time interval under consideration dy/dt = 0
d. Unsteady flow - depth of flow changes with time dy/dt ≠ 0
1.3 Types / Classification of Open Channel Flows
a. Uniform flow
y
y Cons
tant water dep
th
b. Non-uniform flow
y1
y2 Depth change
s
along the cha
nnel
c. Steady flow
y y y1 y1
Hydraulic
drop
Contraction
below the sluice
1.4 State of Flow
The state or behaviour of open-channel flow is governed basically by the
viscosity and gravity effects relative to the inertial forces of the flow.
The flow is laminar if the viscous forces are dominant relative to inertia.
Viscosity will determine the flow behaviour. In laminar flow, water
particles move in definite smooth paths.
The flow is turbulent if the inertial forces are dominant than the viscous
force. In turbulent flow, water particles move in irregular paths which
are not smooth.
1.4 State of Flow
Q5. A triangular channel of apex angle 120° carries a discharge of 1573 L/s.
Calculate the critical depth.
Q1. [Final Exam Sem. 1, Session 2010/2011]
Justify the difference between:
(a) uniform flow and nonuniform flow
Uniform flow occurs when the depth of flow is the same at every section
along the channel, dy/dx = 0.
Nonuniform flow occurs when the depth of flow varies along the flow in the
channel dy/dx ≠ 0.
Non-uniform flow occurs when the flow depth varies along the flow in the
channel, dy/dx ≠ 0
(iv) Froude number
Froude number represents the ratio of inertial forces to gravity forces,
Fr = V/(gD)1/2
Given Q = 16 m3/s, y = 2 m, B = 4 m.
For rectangular channel, area A = By = 8 m2, wetted perimeter P = B + 2y = 8 m,
and hydraulic radius R = A/P = 8/8 = 1.
Thus, the average velocity V = Q/A = 16/8 = 2 m/s.
V 2
Froude number Fr = = = 0.452 → subcritical flow
gD 9.81× 2
VR 2 ×1
Reynolds number Re = = = × → turbulent flow
6
−6
1 . 99 10
ν 1.004 × 10
Q5. A triangular channel of apex angle 120° carries a discharge of 1573 L/s.
Calculate the critical depth.
1.573
1=
9.81y c
1.732 y c2
2
5
3.836 y = 1.573
2
c
y c = 0.7 m