MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

NON-UNIFORM FLOW IN OPEN CHANNELS

Hydraulic jump, Expressions for conjugate depths and energy loss, Numerical
problems. L2, L3, L4 03 hrs
Gradually varied flow, Equation, Back water curve and afflux, L2, L3, L4 04 hrs
Description of water curves or profiles, Mild, steep, critical, horizontal and adverse
slope profiles, Numerical problems, Control sections. 03 hrs

HYDRAULIC JUMP or STANDING WAVE

The Hydraulic jump is defined as “The rise of water level, which takes place
due to the transformation of the unstable shooting floor (super critical) to
the stable streaming flow (sub critical)”.

PLACES OF OCCURRENCE:
 At the foot of an overflow spillway dam
 Behind a dam on a steep slope
 Below a regulating sluice
 When a steep slope channel suddenly turns flat.

Assumptions made in the derivation of Hydraulic Jump:

The equation of Hydraulic jump can be derived making the following assumptions.
1) The flow is uniform and pressure distribution is due to hydrostatic before and
after the jump.
2) The channel bed is horizontal so that the component of the body of water
weight in the direction of flow can be neglected.
3) The losses due to friction on the surface of the bed of the channel are small
and hence neglected.
4) The channel is rectangular in section.

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

Derivation of depth of hydraulic jump:

Consider a hydraulic jump in a channel of horizontal bed as shown in fig.
Consider section 1 – 1 and 2 – 2 before and after hydraulic jump.

2
1
Hj = y2 – y1

y2
P2
y1
P1 V1 V2

wy1 2 wy2
1

Let, y1 and y2 and V1, V2 be the depths and velocities at sections 1 -1 and 2 -2 resp.
Consider unit width of channel,
1 wy12
Pressure force @ section 1 - 1  P1   wy1  y 1 
2 2
1 wy 22
Pressure force @ section 2 - 2  P2   wy 2  y 2 
2 2
2 2
Net retarding force P2 - P1 
wy 2 wy1
2
-
2

w 2 2
2
y 2 - y1 
- - - - - - - 1 
 P2 is greater than P1 
But, from Momentum principle the net retarding force acting on the fluid must be
equal to rate of change of momentum between the same section.

Rate of change of momentum = Mass of water flowing per sec x change of velocity
Mass of water flowing per sec = Density of water x discharge per unit width x width
w
Mass of water per second = × q × 1 m 3 /sec
g
Change of velocity = V1 - V2,
[ as the net force is acting from right to left, the change of velocity should be taken
from left to right and hence equal to V1 - V2]
w
Rate of change of momentum  P2  P1   q  1  V1 - V2  - - - - - - - 2 
g
Equating (1) and (2)
w 2
2
 w

y 2  y 12   q  1  V1  V2 
g Q  AV
Q Q Q
w 2
2
 w
g

y 2  y 12   q  1  V1  V2  V 
A by
q
b
 q q q q
2
 2

2
y 2  y1   q  1     

V 1 
y1
and V 2 
y2
g  y1 y 2 
2 q2  1 1 

y 22  y 12     
g  y 1 y 2 


G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 2 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

2q2  y  y1 
y 2
2 
 y 12 
g
  2
y  y

 1 2 
2
 y  y1 
y 2  y1  y 2  y1   2q   2 
g  y 1  y 2 
2q2
y 2  y1  
gy 1  y 2 
2q 2
y 22  y1 y 2 
gy 1
2q 2
y 22  y 1 y 2 
0
gy 1
Solving as a quadratic equation in y2
2q2
 y 1  y 12  4 
gy 1
y2 
2 1
y1 y12 2q2
y2     &
2 4 gy 1
y1 y12 2q2
y2    
2 4 gy 1
Second root is not possible as it gives – ve depth, Hence
y y 12 2q2
y2   1  
2 4 gy 1
Depth of hydraulic jump Hj  y 2  y1

Note:
If the depth y2 after the hydraulic jump is known, the depth y1 before the hydraulic
jump can be determined by the relation
y2 y 22 2q2
y1    
2 4 gy 2
Expression for depth of hydraulic jump in terms of upstream Froude
number (Fr);
Froude number (Fr1) on the upstream side of the jump is given by
V1
Fr1 
gy 1
V12
2
F 
r1 - - - -i
gy 1
y1 y 12 2q2
y2    
2 4 gy 1
q
V1   q  V1 y 1  q2  V12 y 12
y1

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 3 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

y1  y 2 2V 2 y 2  y y 12  8V 2 
y2     1  1 1    1  1  1 
2  4 gy 1  2 4  gy 1 

y1 y1  V12 
y2   1  8  - - - -ii
2 2
  gy 1 
Substituting Eq (i) in Eq (ii)
y
y 2  1  1  8Fr1  - 1 
2

2  

Length of hydraulic jump: It is the distance measured from the face of jump to a
point on the surface immediately downstream of the jump.
This cannot be calculated analytically. The exact point of commencement of
the jump and the exact point where it ends are not well defined. For purposes of
analysis we may assume the length of the hydraulic jump to be 5 to 7 times the
height of the jump.

Height of jump: The difference of the depths after and before the jump is known
as the height of jump.
H j  y 2  y1

Expression for loss of Energy due to hydraulic jump (ΔE or hL)

Whenever a hydraulic jump occurs, there will be heavy amount of turbulence and
considerable energy loss due to eddies formation. Hence energy principle or
Bernoulli's energy equation cannot be used for its analysis. Therefore the
momentum equation derived from the Newton second law of motion is used.
This loss of energy is equal to the difference of specific energies at sections 1-1 and
2-2.
2
1

y2
P2
y1
P1 V1 V2

wy1 2 wy2
1

 Loss of energy due to hydraulic jump hL = Specific energy 1-1 – Specific energy 2-2
hL = E1 – E2
 V12   V22 
hL   y1    y 2  
 2g   2g 

 q2   q2 
hL   y1   y
  2  
 2gy 12   2gy 22 

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 4 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

 q2 q2 
hL   2
 2
 y 2  y1 
 2gy 1 2gy 2 But,
q 12
1  2q2
hL   2  2   y 2  y1  y 2  y1  
2g  y1 y 2  gy 1  y 2 
gy 2  y 1 y 1  y 2 
q2 
q 2  y 22  y12  2
hL   2   y 2  y1 
2g  y1  y 22 

 gy  y 1 y 1 y 2  1  y 22  y 12  
hL    2      y 2  y 1 
 2 2g  y 12 y 22  
y  y1   y 2  y1   y 2  y1   y  y 
hL  2
4y 1 y 2 
2 1

hL 
y 2  y1   y 2  y1 
2

 y 2  y1 
4y1 y 2 

 y  y1 2 
hL  y 2  y1    2  1
 4y1  y 2  
 y 22  y12  2y 1 y 2  4y1 y 2 
hL  y 2  y1    
 4y1 y 2  
 y 2  y12  2y1 y 2 
hL  y 2  y1    2 
 4y1 y 2  
 y - y 2 
hL  y 2  y 1    2 1 
 4 y1 y 2  

hL  ΔE 
y 2 - y1 
3

4 y 1 y 2 

Power lost in kw = wQhL

w  ρg  1000  9.81
Q  Area  Velocity

Strength of a jump is defined as

y2 Fr1
or
y1 Fr2

F r1 and F r2 are the Upstream and Downstream Froude number

respectively. Stronger the jump greater is the energy loss.

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 5 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

Types of Hydraulic Jump (USBR classification):

Based on the initial Froude number Fr, Hydraulic Jumps can be classified as follows.

Undular Jump Such a jump occurs when the initial Froude number Fr is between 1
and 1.7. In such a jump there will be surface undulations due to low level turbulence
it would result in insignificant energy losses.

Weak Jump: Such a jump occurs when Fr is between 1.7 and 2.5. Head loss is low.
In this type of jump, series of small rollers form on the surfaces and the loss of
energy due to this type is small.

Oscillating jump: It occurs when Fr is between 2.5 and 4.5. In this type the
surface will be wavy, jets if water shoots from the floor to surface. Jump moves back
and forth causing some damage. Such a jump should be avoided if possible.

Steady Jump: It occurs when Fr, is between 4.5 and 9. Such a jump 9 stable,
balanced in performance, requires a stilling basin to confine the jump. Energy
dissipation will be high of the order of 45 to 70%.

Strong Jump: It occurs when Fr is more than 9. It will be rough and violent, huge
rollers are formed in the flow. Energy dissipation will be very high & is up to 85%.

USES OF HYDRUALIC JUMP

 To dissipate excessive energy.
 To increase the water level on the downstream side.
 To reduce the net uplift force by increasing the weight, i.e. due to increased
depth.
 To increase the discharge from a sluice gate by increasing the effective head
causing flow.
 For thorough mixing of chemicals in water.
 For aeration of drinking water.
 For removing air pockets in a pipe line.

Problem:
A 3 m wide rectangular channel conveys 7.5 m3/sec of water with a velocity
of 5 m /s. Is there a condition for hydraulic jump to occur? If so, calculate the
height, length and strength of the jump. Also determine the loss of energy per kg of
water and power dissipated in the hydraulic jump.

Solution:
Given: b = 3m, Q = 7.5 m3/sec, V = 5 m/sec

Depth of water before jump (upstream) y1: Y1

Q  AV  by1 V
Q 7.5 b = 3m
y1    0.5m
bV 3  5
Q 7.5
Discharge per bed width q    2.5 m3 /sec/m width
b 3

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 6 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

1 1
 q 3
 2.5  3
Critical Depth y c       0.861m
 g  9.81 
Since, depth on the upstream y1 = 0.5 m is less than the critical depth yc =
0.861, hence hydraulic jump will occur.

Depth of water after jump (Downstream side) y2:

y1 y 12 2q2
y2    
2 4 gy 1

0.5 0.5 2 2  2.5 2

y2      1.367 m
2 4 9.81  0.5

Height of jump (Hj) = y2 – y1 = 1.367 – 0.5 = 0.867 m

Length of the Jump (Lj) = 6 x Hj = 6 x 0.867 = 5.20 m

y 2 1.367
Strength of the jump    2.734
y1 0.5

(y 2 - y1 )3 (1.367 - 0.5)3
Loss of energy in the jump (hL ) = ΔE = = = 0.238 m
4(y1 y 2 ) 4(0.5 × 1.367 )

Power lost in watts = wQhL

P  ρg  Q  hL
1000  9.81  7.5  0.238
P  17.50 kW
1000
Problem:
Flow over a spill way is 3 cumces / meter width, the supercritical velocity
down the spillway is 12.15m/s. What must be the depth of the tail water to cause a
hydraulic jump at the apron? What is the energy lost per unit width? What is the
total head of flow before and after the jump.

Solution:
Given: q = 3 m3/sec /m width, V = 12.15 m/sec. b = 1m

Depth of water before jump (upstream) y1:

Q  AV  b  y1  V
q  y1  V
q 3
y1    0.25m
V 12.15

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 7 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

Depth of water after jump (Downstream side) y2:

y y12 2q2
y2   1  
2 4 gy 1

0.25 0.25 2 2  32
y2      2.59 m
2 4 9.81  0.25

Loss of energy in the jump hL   ΔE 

y 2 - y1 
3

2.59 - 0.25 
3
 4.95 m
4y 1 y 2  40.25  2.59 
Total head of flow before the jump
V2 12.15 2
E1  y 1  1  0.25   7.77 m
2g 2  9.81
From continuity equation
q 3
V2    1.16 m/sec
y 2 2.59

Total head of flow after the jump

V2 1.16 2
E 2  y 2  2  2.59   2.66 m
2g 2  9.81

Problem:
If the velocity when the water enters the channel is 4m/s and Froude number
is 1.4 obtain a) The depth of flow after the jump b) the loss of specific energy due to
the formation of the jump.

Solution: Given : V = 4m/s , Fr = 1.4.

From the definition of Froude number we have
V1 V2
Fr1  , Squaring both sides  Fr2  1
gy 1 gy 1
The depth of flow after the jump
V12 42
y1    0.832m
Fr1 2  g 1.4 2  9.81
The depth of flow after the jump is given by
y
[
y 2 = 1 1 + 8(Fr )1 - 1
2
2
]
y2 =
0.832
2
[
1 + 8 × 1.4 2 - 1 = 1.283m ]
(y 2 - y1 )3 (1.283 - 0.832)3
Loss of energy in the jump (hL ) = ΔE = = = 0.0215 m
4(y1 y 2 ) 4(0.832 × 1.283)

Problem:
In a rectangular channel 0.6m wide a jump occurs where the Froude number
is 3. The depth after the jump is 0.6m estimate the total loss of head and the power
dissipated by the jump.

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 8 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

Solution:
Given: b = 0.6m, Fr = 3, y2 = 0.6m.
y1 
1  8Fr 1 - 1
2
y2 
2  
2y 2 2  0.6
y1 
 1  8F 2 - 1
 r 1


1  8 3 2
- 1
 0.16m


Loss of energy in the jump hL   ΔE 

y 2 - y1 3 
0.6 - 0.16 3  0.222m
4y 1 y 2  40.16  0.6 
V1
Fr1 
gy 1
Velocity of flow (V):
V  Fr1  gy 1  3  9.81  0.16  3.76m / sec
Power lost in watts = wQhL
P  ρg  b  y1  V  hL
1000  9.81  0.6  0.16  3.76  0.222
P  0.786kW
1000

Problem:
A rectangular channel 5m wide carries a discharge of 6 cumecs. If the depth
on the downstream of the hydraulic jump is 1.5m, determine the depth on upstream
side of the jump. What is the energy dissipated?
Q
Solution: Discharge per unit width q 
b
Given : b = 5m, Q = 6cumecs, y2 = 1.5m, y1 = ?
Q 6
Discharge per bed width q    1.2 m3 /sec /m
b 5
Depth of water before jump (Upstream side) y1:
y2 y 22 2q2
y1    
2 4 gy 2

1.5 1.5 2 2  1.2 2

y1      0.12 m
2 4 9.81  1.5

Loss of energy in the jump hL   E 

y 2 - y1 3 
1.5 - 0.12 3  3.65m
4y 1 y 2  40.12  1.5 
Problem:
Determine the flow rate in a horizontal rectangular channel 1.5m wide in
which the depths before and after the hydraulic jumps are 0.25m and 1.0m.
Solution:
Given: b = 1.5m, y1 = 0.25 m, y2 = 1.0 m Q=?
From the equation of hydraulic jump ‘q’ is obtained. Y1=0.25 m

y y 12 2q2
y2  - 1   b = 1.5m
2 4 gy 1 Before jump

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 9 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

0.25 0.25 2 2  q2
1-  
2 4 9.81  0.25
Y1= 1 m
1 = -0.125 + 0.0156 + 0.815q2
b = 1.5m
1.125 = 0.0156 + 0.815q2
After jump
Squaring both sides

1.125 2 = 0.0156 + 0.815q 2

= +0.815q 2
1.125 2 - 0.0156
q  1.238m2 / sec/ m width
0.815

Flow rate in the rectangular channel

Q = q × b = 1.238 × 1.5 = 1.86 m3 /sec

Problem:
Water flows at the rate of 1.25 cumecs in a channel of rectangular section 1.5m
wide. Calculate the critical depth, if a hydraulic jump occurs at a point where the
upstream depth is 0.30m, what would be the rise of water level produced and the
power lost in the jump?

Solution: Given: Q =1.25 cumecs, b = 1.5m, y1 =0.3m, Critical depth y c =?

Q 1.25
Discharge per bed width q    0.83 m3 /sec /m
b 1.5
1 1
 q  3  0.83  3 Y1=0.3 m
Critical Depth y c        0.44m
 g  9.81  b = 1.5m
From the equation of Hydraulic jump Before jump
y1 y 12 2q 2
y2    
2 4 gy 1

0.3 0.3 2 2  0.83 2

y2      0.55m
2 4 9.81  0.3

Loss of energy in the jump hL   ΔE 

y 2 - y1 3 
0.55 - 0.33  0.0237 m
4y 1 y 2  40.3  0.55 
Q  AV
Q 1.25
V   2.78 m/sec
b  y1 1.5  0.3
Power lost in watts = wQhL
P  ρg  Q  hL
1000  9.81  1.25  0.0237
P  0.29 kW
1000

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 0 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 – 15CV43 – 06 marks: 

A hydraulic jump forms at the downstream end of the spillway carrying 17.93 m3/sec
discharge. If the depth before jump is 0.8, determine the depth after the jump and
energy loss. Consider 1 m width of channel.

Solution: Given: Q =17.93 cumecs, b = 1.0 m, y1 =0.8m.

Q 17.93 Y1=0.8 m
Discharge per bed width q    17.93m3 /sec /m
b 1.0
b = 1m
Before jump

From the equation of Hydraulic jump

y1 y 12 2q2
y2    
2 4 gy 1
0.8 0.8 2 2  17.93 2
y2      8.66m
2 4 9.81  0.8

Loss of energy in the jump hL   ΔE 

y 2 - y1 
3


8.66 - 0.8
3

 17.52 m
4y 1 y 2  40.8  8.66 

June / july 2017 – 15CV43 – 06 marks:

A rectangular channel 8 m wide discharges water with a
depth of 0.4 m and 6m/sec velocity. Find the formation of
hydraulic jump and if so, determine jump height and energy
Y1=0.4m
loss in metre.
Solution: b = 8m
Given: b = 8m, y1 =0.4 m, V = 6m/sec, Q = ?
Q  AV  by 1 V  8  0.4  6  19.2m 3 /sec
Q 19.2
Discharge per bed width q    2.4 m3 /sec/m width
b 8
1 1
 q 3
 2.4  3
Critical Depth y c       0.625m
 g  9.81 
Since, depth on the upstream y1 = 0.4 m is less than the critical depth yc =
0.625, hence hydraulic jump will occur.

Depth of water after jump (Downstream side) y2:

y1 y 12 2q 2
y2    
2 4 gy 1
0.4 0.4 2 2  2.4 2
y2      1.525 m
2 4 9.81  0.4
Height of jump (Hj) = y2 – y1 = 1.525 – 0.4 = 1.125 m

Loss of energy in the jump hL   ΔE 

y 2 - y1 
3


1.525 - 0.4 
3

 0.583 m
4y1 y 2  40.4  1.525 

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 1 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

Gradually varied flow:

If the depth of flow in a channel changes gradually over a long length of the
channel, the flow is said to be gradually varied flow and is denoted by G.V.F.

Gradually varied
Uniform flow flow Rapidly varied flow Uniform flow

Hydraulic jump

Non - Uniform flow

Assumptions made in the derivation of gradually varied flow:

1. The bed slope of the channel is small.
2. The flow is steady and hence discharge Q is constant.
3. The roughness co-efficient is constant for the length of the channel and it
does not depend on the depth of flow.
4. The chezyy’s formula; manning’s formula which are applicable, to the
uniform flow are applicable, to the uniform flow are also applicable to the
gradually varied flow for determining the slope of energy line.
5. The channel is prismatic.

Derivation of expression for gradually varied flow in open channel:

Consider a rectangular channel having gradually varied flow as
shown in fig. The depth of flow is gradually decreasing in the
direction of flow. h
Let, Z = height of bottom of channel above datum.
b
h = depth of flow
V = Mean Velocity of flow
ib = slope of the channel bed,
Specific energy line
ie = slope of the energy line
ie
b = width of channel, and V2/2g
Q= discharge through the channel.
h FLS
Applying Bernoulli’s Equation @ any
section: Channel bed
Datum Z ib
v2  p
E  Zh  (i) h  
2g  w

Total energy= Datum energy + pressure energy + kinetic energy

Differentiate w.r.t. ‘x’, where ‘x’ is measured along the bottom of the channel in the
direction of flow.

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 2 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

dE dZ dh d  v 2 
      (ii)
dx dx dx dx  2g 
d  v2  d  Q2   Q Q 
      v   
dx  2g  dx  A 2  2g   A bh


d  Q2
 2 2

  2
Q 2 d h 2  
dx  b h  2g  b  2g dx


Q2
 
 
d h2 dh
b2  2g dh dx

Q2  - 2 h-2-1  dh  2Q 2 dh
 2
    2 3

b  2g  dh  dx b 2g  h dx
- Q2 dh
 2 2

b h  gh dx
d  v 2  - v 2 dh Q
    (iii)  v
dx  2g  gh dx bh

Substituting equation (iii) in equation (ii)

dE dZ dh v 2 dh
   
dx dx dx gh dx
dZ dh  v 2 
  1 -   iv 
dx dx  gh 
dE
 - ie  slope of the energy line.
dx
dZ
 - ib  slope of the bed of the channel.
dx
[Note: -ve sign is used, as x increases, the value of E and Z decreases.]
dE dZ
Subtract the values of and in equation (iv)
dx gh
dh  v 2 
- ie  -ib  1 - 
dx  gh 
dh  v 2 
ib - ie  1 - 
dx  gh 
dh dy i -i
  b e2  Equation of a Non - uniform Flow
dx dx  v 
1 - 
 gh 

Equation of a non-uniform flow

v
 Froude No Fr 
gh

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 3 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

dh dy i -i
  b e2
dx dx 1 - Fr 
dh
represents the variation of water depth along the bottom of the channel. This is
dx
also called the slope of the water surface. Thus
dh
1) When  0 , h is constant depth of water flow above the bottom of
dx
channel. (i.e., The free surface of water is parallel to the bed of the channel).
dh dh
2) When  0 or is  ve, it means the depth of water flow increases in
dx dx
the direction of flow. (i.e., The profile of the water so obtained is called back
water curve).
dh dh
3) When  0 or is  ve, it means that the depth of water flow decreases
dx dx
in the direction of flow. (i.e., The profile of the water so obtained is called
drop down curve).

Problem:
Find the rate of change of depth of water in a rectangular channel of 8m wide
and 1.2m deep, when the water is flowing with a velocity of 1.2m/sec. The flow of
water through the channel of bed slope 1 in 4000, is regulated in a such a way that
energy line is having a slope of 0.00004.

Solution:
Given: b=8m, h=1.2m, v=1.2m/sec h=1.2 m
1
ib = = 2.5 × 10 - 4
4000 b=8m

ie = 0.00004
dh i -i
Rate of change of depth of water  - b e2
dx  v 
1 - 
 gh 
dh 2.5 × 10 -4  0.0004
=  2.39 × 10 -4
dx  1.2 2

1 - 
 9.81 × 1.2 

Problem:
A rectangular channel 20m wide and having a bed slope of 0.006 is
discharging water with a velocity of 1.5 m /sec. The flow of water through the
channel is regulated in such a way that the slope of the energy gradient is 0.0008.
Find the rate of at which the depth of water will be changing at a point where water
is flowing is flowing 2 m deep.

Solution: h= 2 m
Given: b = 20m, ib = 0.006, ie = 0.0008
v = 1.5m/sec and h = 2m. b = 20 m

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 4 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

dh i -i
Rate of change of depth of water  - b e2
dx  v 
1 - 
 gh 
dh 0.006 - 0.0008
=  5.87 × 10 -3
dx  1.5 
2

1 - 
 9.81 × 2 

Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 – 15CV43 – 08 marks: 

Find the slope of the free water surface in a rectangular channel of width 20m
having depth of flow 5m. The discharge through the channel is 50m3/sec. the bed of
the channel is having a slope of 1 in 4000. Take the value of chezy’s constant C =
60.
Solution:
h=5m
Given: b = 20m, h = 5m,
Discharge Q = 50m3/sec. b = 20m
1
ib = = 0.00025 C=60
4000 ,
dh i -i
Slope of free water surface = - b e2
dx  v 
1 - 
 gh 
Discharge Q = AV
Q Q 50
V=    0.5m / sec
A bh 20  5
Slope of the energy line ie is determined using chezy’s formula
Q = A × V = A × C m ie
A = B × h = 20 × 5 = 100 m2
A 100
m= = = 3.33m
P 5 + 20 + 5
50 = 100 × 60 × 3.33 × ie
50
ie   4.567  10  3
100 × 60 × 3.33
Squaring both sides

ie = 4.567  10  3 2
= 2.085 × 10 - 5  0.00002085
dh i -i 0.00025 0.00002085
 b e2   2.030  10  4
dx  v   0.5 
2

1 -  1 - 
 gh   9.81  5 

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 5 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

Back water curve:

Due to obstruction such as weir Back water curve
or low wall across a width, the water
surface on the upstream side of the
h1
obstruction, no longer remains parallel Original water level h2
to bed, but forms a curved surface with Channel bed
Weir

concavity upward, such a curved Datum line

surface is called Back water curve.

Afflux:
Due to obstruction such as weir or low wall across a width, the water rises on the
upstream side, such an increase in the water level is known as afflux.
Afflux = h2 – h1
h1 = depth of water at the point, where the water starts rising up.
h2 = Maximum height of rising water from bed.

Expression for the length of Back water curve:

Consider the flow of water through a channel in which depth of water is
rising as shown in fig. let the two sections 1-1 and 2-2 are at such a distance that
the distance between them represents the length of back water curve.

ie Energy Line 2
1

hL
V21/2g
V22/2g
Water Surface
h1 V1 V2
Channel bed h2

Z1
Datum line ib
L
1 2

Let, h1 = depth of flow at section 1 – 1, h2 = depth of flow at section 2 – 2.

V1 = Velocity of flow at section 1 – 1, V2 = Velocity of flow at section 2 – 2
ib = Bed slope, ie = Energy line slope, L = Length of back water curve.

Applying Bernoulli’s Equation at sections 1 – 1 and 2 – 2.

V12 V22
Z1  h1   Z 2  h2   hL - - - i
2g 2g
hL =Loss of energy due to friction = ie x L
Z2 = 0, taking datum line passing through the bed of the channel section 2-2.
V12 V22
Z1  h1   0  h2   ie  L
2g 2g
Z1 = ib x L
V2 V2
ib  L  h1  1  h2  2  ie  L
2g 2g

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 6 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

 V2   V2 
ib  L  ie  L   h2  2    h1  1 
 2g   2g 
ib  ie   L  E 2  E1
E 2  E1
L
ib  i e
The value of ie (slope energy line ) is calculated either by Manning’s formula or by
Chezy’s formula. The mean values of velocity, depth of flow, hydraulic mean depth
etc., are used between sections 1 – 1 and 2 – 2 for calculating the value of ie.

Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 – 15CV43 – 10 marks: 

Determine the length of the back water curve caused
by an afflux of 2.0 m in a rectangular channel of width 40 m
h=2.5m
and depth 2.5 m. The slope of the bed is given as 1 in
11000. Take Manning’s N = 0.03.
b = 40m
Solution:
Given: b = 40m, h = 2.5 m,
ie Energy Line 2
Afflux = h2 – h1 = 2.0 m, h1 = 2.5 m, 1

h2 = 2.0 + h1 = 2.0 + 2.5 = 4.5 m. hL

V21/2g
V22/2g
Water Surface
1
ib = = 0.0000909  9.09  10 -5 h1 V1 V2
11,000
Channel bed h2
N = 0.03
Z1
Length of the back water curve Datum line ib
L
L   E 2  E1 1 2
ib  ie
Velocity using Manning’s Formula:
1 2 1
V =  m 3 × ib 2
N
A 40  2.5
Hydraulic mean depth m1  = 1 = = 2.22 m
P1 2.5 + 40 + 2.5
1
V1 =
0.03
2 1

 2.22 3 × 9.09  10 -5 2  0.54m / sec 
From continuity equation, Velocity at 2 - 2 is calculated as
V1 A1 = V2A2
VA 0.54  40  2.5
V2 = 1 1   0.3m / sec
A2 40  4.5
A2 40  4.5
Hydraulic mean depth m2  = = = 3.67 m
P2 4.5 + 40 + 4.5
V12 0.54 2
Specific Energy at 1 - 1  E1   h1   2.5   2.513m
2g 2  9.81
V22 0.32
Specific Energy at 2 - 2  E 2   h2   4.5   4.505m
2g 2  9.81

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 7 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

ie is calculated using, the mean values of velocity, depth of flow,

hydraulic mean depth etc., between sections 1 – 1 and 2 – 2.
h  h2 2.5  4.5
hav = 1 = = 3.5 m
2 2
Aav = b x hav = 40 x 3.5 = 140 m2

V1 A1 0.54  40  2.5

Vav =   0.386 m / sec
A av 140
m  m2 2.22  3.67
mav = 1 = = 2.945 m
2 2
1 2 1
Vav =  mav3 × ie 2
N
1 2 1
0.386 =  2.945 3 × ie 2
0.03
1 0.386  0.03
ie 2  2
= 5.636  10 -3
2.945 3
Squaring both sides,

ie  5.636  10 -3 2
 3.177  10 -5

Length of the back water curve (L):

E  E1 4.505  2.513
L 2   33688 .5m
ib  ie 9.09  10 -5  3.177  10 5

Characteristics of water curves:

The surface curves of water curves are also called flow profiles or water profiles.
The following depths of water effect the water profiles:

1) Normal depth (yn) It is the depth of uniform flow of water, when the
discharge Q flows at a slope ib of the bed.
2) Critical depth (yC) It is the depth of flow of water, when the discharge Q
flows as critical flow.
3) Actual depth (y) It is the actual depth of flow of water, when the
discharge Q flows as a gradually varied flow.

Classification of water curves:

The water curves (i.e., profiles) may be broadly classified into the following five
types:
Mild slope curves ……..M1, M2, M3
Steep slope curves ……..S1, S2, S3
Critical slope curves ……..C1, C2, C3
Horizontal slope curves ………H1, H2, H3
Adverse slope curves ………. A1, A2, A3

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 8 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

In the longitudinal section of the channel two lines

parallel to the channel bottom, one at the normal depth (yn) and other at the critical
depth (Yc) are drawn. The first line is known as normal depth lines (N.D.L) and the
second line is known an critical depth line (C.D.L). The vertical space in the
longitudinal section is divided in to the following
Zone -1
zones: NDL
(a) Zone 1… Space above N.D.L and C.D.L. Yn Zone -2

(b) Zone 2… Space between N.D.L and C.D.L. Yc CDL

Zone -3
(c) Zone 3 … Space below N.D.L and C.D.L.
Channel bed

In the curve M2, M indicates Mild slope

and 2 indicate Zone 2
In the curve A3, A indicates Adverse slope and 3 indicate Zone 3

The following point should be understood while studying flow profiles:

1. All the profiles in Zone 1 and 3 are backwater curves
2. All the profiles in zone 2 are drawdown curves.
3. All the profiles in zone 3 commence from the bed of the channel.
4. The flow profiles approach the normal depth line tangentially. But there is an
exception for the profiles on critical slopes.
5. The flow profiles approach the critical depth line perpendicularly. But there is
an exception for the profiles on critical slopes.

Descriptions of water curves or profiles:

A brief description of different types of flow profiles is given below. The
profiles near the critical depth and channel bottom are shown by dotted lines, as at
these points the streamlines are curved and such equation of gradually varied flow
are not applicable.

Mild slope profiles:

A flow, in which the normal depth (yn) M1
is greater than the critical depth (yc) is called
Yn Flow NDL
streaming flow and the slope of free water
M2
surface is called mild slope or M - profile.
CDL
There are three types of such profiles as Yc M3
discussed below.
Channel bed

M1 - Profile: It is the most important among all the profiles and represents the
back water curve. The depth increases along the flow direction.
In this case y > yn > yc.
Examples of M1 - Profile: i) Flow behind an overflow weir, ii) Water surface joining
two reservoirs.

M2 - Profile: It represents a drawdown curve. This type of profile usually occurs,

when the tail of mild channel is submerged into a reservoir of a depth less than the

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 1 9 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

normal depth. It also occurs, when the cross-section of a mild

channel is subjected to a
sudden enlargement. In this case yn > y > yc.

Examples of M2 - Profile: i) Flow over a free fall, ii) Flow at the upstream end of a
sudden enlargement in a mild channel.

M3-Profile: It also represents a backwater curve. This type of profile usually occurs,
when the depth of stream is below critical. The profile has its depth increasing
downstream. In this case yn > yc > y.

Examples of M3 - Profile: i) Flow downstream of a sluice gate. ii) Surface curve

where the bottom slope changes from steep to
mild. S1

Flow
Steep slope Profiles:
A flow, in which the normal depth (yn) is
Yc S2
greater than critical depth (yc) is called a rapid Yn
CDL

flow and the slope of free water surface is

called slope or S-profile. There are three types S3 NDL
of such profiles as discussed below:
Channel bed

S1-Profile: It represents a backwater curve. The upstream of the curve intersects

the critical depth line perpendicular, and at the downstream end the curve tends to
be horizontal. In this case y > yc > yn.

Examples of S1 - Profile: i) Flow behind an overflow weir, ii) Profile formed behind
a dam constructed on a steep channel, iii) Profile formed when a steep canal is
submerged into a reservoir of a depth more than the normal depth.

S2 - Profile: It represents a drawdown curve. The depth of flow decreases along the
flow direction. At upstream end, this draw down curve intersects the critical depth
line perpendicularly, and at downstream end the curve meets the normal depth line
asymptotically. In this case yc > y > yn.

Examples of S2 - Profile: i) Flow from steep to steeper channel, ii) profile formed
when the cross-section of a steep channel is subjected to a sudden enlargement.

S3 - Profile: It also represents the backwater curve. The depth increases along the
flow direction.
In this case yc > yn > y.

Examples of S3 - Profile: i) Flow downstream of a sluice gate, ii) Profile formed

when the bed slope of the channel changes from steeper to steep.

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 2 0 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

c1
Critical slope Profile:
A flow in which the normal depth (yn) CDL
is equal to the critical depth (yc) is called a Flow
critical flow and the slope of free water Yn= Yc NDL
surface is called critical slope or C-profile. c2
There are two types of such profiles as
discussed below: Channel bed

C1 - Profile: It represent a backwater curve.

This type of profile usually occurs on the
critical slope portion, when the slope of the
channel changes from critical to mild. In this case y > yc. But yc > yn.
Examples of C1 - Profile: i) Flow behind an overflow weir.

C2 - Profile: Since in a critical slope profile, the normal depth line and critical depth
line coincide, therefore no curve is possible these lines. However, a line coinciding
with these two lines can be drawn to represent C2 profile which will indicate a
uniform critical flow. In this case yn = y = yc some authors do not mention the C2
profile.

C3 - Profile: It also represents a backwater curve. This type of profile usually

occurs at the hydraulic jump. It also occurs, when the channel after flowing below a
sluice gate flow over a critical slope channel. In this case yc > y. But yc > yn.

Horizontal Slope Profiles:

In a channel with horizontal bed, the H2
normal depth (yn) of flow is not definite and Flow
it may be either below or above the critical Yn CDL
depth (yc). The slope of free water surface is
called horizontal slope or H-profile. There H3
Yc
are two types of such profiles as discussed Channel bed
below.

H2 - Profile: It represents a draw down

curve and is similar to M2 - profile.
In this case yn > y > yc.

Examples of H2 - Profile: i) Flow at free over an edge, ii) Profile formed at the
downstream end of a horizontal channel.

H3 - Profile: It represent a backwater curve and is similar to M3 - profile.

In this case yn > yc > y.

Examples of H2 - Profile: i) Profile below a sluice gate provided in a horizontal

channel.

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 2 1 o f 2 2
MODULE – 3 NON UNIFORM FLOW

Adverse slope profiles: A2

In a channel with adverse slope, the bed of
channel rises in the direction of flow. As a result of
this, there is no definite normal depth line and it is CDL Flow
A3
assumed to be above the critical depth line. The
slope of free water surface is called adverse slope or Yc Channel bed

A - profile. There are two types of such profiles as

discussed below.

A2 - Profile: It represent a drawdown curve. This type of profile usually occurs,

when the cross-section of an adverse channel is subjected to a sudden enlargement.
In this case yn > y > yc.

A3 - Profile: It represents a backwater curve. This type of profile usually occurs,

when a channel after flowing below a sluice flow over an adverse slope.
In this case yn > yc > y.

G . R a v i n d r a K u m a r , As s o c i a t e P r o f , G o vt E n g g C ol l e g e , C h a m ar aj a n ag a r P ag e 2 2 o f 2 2