National University of Sciences

and Technology
NUST INSTITUTE OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING

PBL ACTIVITY-3

Semester: 4TH Course: CE 252 FLUID MECHANICS-2

TIME Allowed: 15 mins Marks/ Score: 10

TOPIC: OPEN CHANNEL FLOW ANALYSIS

Objectives: To enable students to calculate critical depth and alternate depth for open
channel flow using specific energy concept and discharge curve, and to determine the
type of flow for a given set of conditions.

Relevance to Real Life (Practical Applications): Open-channel flow is a fundamental

concept that plays a crucial role in civil engineering, and this problem-based learning
activity will help students understand its practical applications. By successfully
completing this activity, students will gain a deep understanding of how to calculate
critical and alternate depths for varying flow rates and determine the type of flow,
making them highly proficient in the field of civil engineering. This knowledge will equip
them with the skills and expertise necessary to design and build safe and efficient water
management systems, which will have a significant impact on our communities and the
environment.

Narrative 1: Imagine a scenario where water is being released from a sluice gate into
a rectangular channel that's 1.5 m wide. The water depth is only 0.6 m, but it's flowing at
an incredible velocity of 4.5 m/s. This situation is similar to what engineers in Pakistan
might face while designing irrigation canals or drainage systems, where efficient and
effective water management is critical for the country's agricultural and economic
growth.
Response Required # 1: (20 mins)

Response Required #1: (5 mins)

(a) What is the critical depth for this specific energy?
(b) What is the critical depth for this rate of discharge?
(c) Determine the type of flow and alternate depth, using either direct solution or the
discharge curve.