Open Channel Hydraulics

Lectures
Environmental Engineering
Department Collage of
Engineering University of
Tikrit – 3rd Stage
2019

Ahmed Saadi Mahmood

Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Open channel hydraulics

References:
- Open Channel Hydraulics , by V.T Chow.
- Civil Engineering Hydraulics, by Hinderson
- Open Channel Hydraulics, by R. E. Featherstone and C. Nalluri.
- Open Channel Hydraulics ,by Richard, H. French.
- Open Channel Hydraulics ,by Terry W. Sturm.

Open Channel Hydraulics Ahmed Saadi Mahmood

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Open channel flow and its classifications:

Introduction :
A passage through which water flows with its free surface in contact with
the atmosphere is known as “Open Channel”. The water therefore runs under the
atmospheric pressure throughout the open channel open at the top.
Classification of Channels:
Open channel may be classified as described below:
a- Channel of regular section or irregular section.
The rectangular, trapezoidal, circular or semicircular section are examples of
channels of regular section. The example of channels of irregular section are
stream or rivers.
b- Natural or artificial channel
Open channel may be either natural or artificial. Streams or rivers are example of
natural channels. Artificial channel are man made.
c- Prismatic or non- prismatic channels
In prismatic channels, the cross-section and slope remain uniform throughout its
length. Artificial channels are prismatic channels. The bed slope and cross section
of non-prismatic channels do not remain uniform throughout the length. Natural
channels are non-prismatic channels.

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Classification of Flow:
The flow through the channel may be classified in different types as in the case of
the pipe flow:
a- Uniform Flow
The flow is to be uniform when the velocity of the flow dose note change both in
magnitude and direction from one section to another in part of channel of uniform
cross-section. The Depth of flow must also remain constant throughout its length
for uniform flow.
b- Non-Uniform Flow
A flow is said to be non-uniform when the velocity and depth of flow varies from
one section to another.
c- Steady flow
A flow with constant rate of discharge is known as steady flow. Also, steady flow
defined as the flow where the characteristics at a point are not change with time.
d- Unsteady Flow
A flow in which the rate of discharge dose not remain constant.
e- Gradually Varied Flow
When the change in depth of flow is gradual the flow is said gradually varied flow.
f- Rapidly Varied Flow
if the change in the depth of flow is abrupt and the transition is conferred to short
length only. It is said to be rabidly varied flow.

Open Channel Hydraulics Ahmed Saadi Mahmood

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Chezy's Formula for Uniform Flow

Assuming a section of length L between section (1-1) and section (2-2) moving
along the channel as shown in the figure. The water body (abcd) is subjected to the
following forces:
- Hydrostatic force (F1) upstream end of the body.
- Hydrostatic force (F2) downstream end of the body.
- Weight of water body (W)
- Frictional resistance force (τ*PL)
Since the water through the channel flows with uniform velocity, therefore the net
accelerating or retarding force is equal to zero.
Hence:-
𝐹1 − 𝐹2 + 𝑊𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 − 𝜏 × 𝑃𝐿 = 0 …………………………………………….(1)
F1= F2 (Because the depth of the flow is constant)
𝑊 = 𝐴 × 𝐿 × 𝛾 = 𝐴𝐿 × 𝜌𝑔
𝑣2
𝜏0 = 𝐶𝑓 × 𝜌 ×
2
ℎ𝐿
𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝜃 = = 𝑆0
𝐿

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Substituting values of W and τ in the equation (1)

1
𝐴𝐿𝜌𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 − 𝐶𝑓 𝜌𝑣 2 𝑃𝐿 = 0
2
2𝐴𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 2𝑔 𝐴
𝑣2 = = × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝐶𝑓 𝑃 𝐶𝑓 𝑃

𝐴
= 𝑅ℎ
𝑃
2𝑔
=𝐶
𝐶𝑓

𝑣 = 𝐶 √𝑅 × 𝑆0 ……………………………………………. Chezy Equation

𝑄 =𝐴×𝑣

𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅ℎ 𝑆0

Where:
Q=Discharge
A=Cross section area
C= Chezy Coefficient
Rh= Hydraulic radius
S0= Longitudinal Slope

Example :A trapezoidal channel has base width of 2m and side slope of 1

horizontal to 2 vertical. The depth of flow in the channel is 1.33m. Find Chezy
constant if the discharge through this channel is 7200 liter/sec and the longitudinal
slope of this channel is 1 to 530.
Sol. :
𝐴 = 𝐵𝑦 + 𝑧𝑦 2
𝐴 = 2(1.33) + 0.5(1.33)2 = 3.544 𝑚2

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

𝑃 = 𝐵 + 2𝑦√1 + 𝑧 2
𝑃 = 2 + 2(1.33)√1 + (0.5)2 = 4.98 𝑚
𝐴 3.544
𝑅ℎ = = = 0.713𝑚
𝑃 4.98
7200 𝑚3
𝑄= = 7.2
1000 𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅ℎ 𝑆0

1
7.2 = 𝐶(3.544)√(0.713) ( )
530

𝐶 =55.3

Example: The discharge through a semi-circular open channel is 10m3/sec. The

bed slope is (1 to 1650) and the channel is running full. Find the diameter of this
channel if the Chezy coefficient (C) is 70.
Sol.:
𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅ℎ 𝑆0
𝜋𝑅 2
𝐴= , 𝑃 = 𝜋𝑅
2

0.5𝜋𝑅2 𝑅
𝑅ℎ = =
𝜋𝑅 2

𝜋𝑅2 𝑅 1
10 = 70( )√( )( )
2 2 1650
5 10
𝑅2 =
35𝜋(0.017)
𝑅 = 1.95𝑚
𝐷 = 2 × 1.95 = 3.9𝑚

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

The Manning’s Formula:

One of the best as well as one of the most widely used formula for uniform flow
in open channels is that published by the Irish engineer (Robert Manning). Manning
found from many tests, that the value of (C) in the Chezy formula varied
approximately as (R1/6), so he proposed the following relation:
1 1
𝐶= 𝑅ℎ 6
𝑛
Where n is constant and depends on the channel material. Now, Substituting the
value of C in the following equation:-

𝑉 = 𝐶 √𝑅ℎ 𝑆0
1 1
𝑉= 𝑅ℎ 6 √𝑅ℎ 𝑆0
𝑛
2 1
1
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅ℎ 3 𝑆0 2 ------------------ In SI Units System (m , kg,…).
𝑛
2 1
1.49
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅ℎ 3 𝑆0 2 ------------------- In UK Units System (ft, Ib,….).
𝑛

Example: An open channel of trapezoidal section has side slope of 2 horizontal to

1 vertical and carries water of rate equal to 15 m3/sec. The bed slope of the channel
is 0.5 per one kilometer and depth of flow is 2m .
a- Find the bed width of channel assuming n =0.018.
b- If the channel at the above cross section is used
to discharge 6 m3/sec of water at the velocity of
0.5 m/sec and the depth of flow being 2m.
determine the bed width and bed slope of the
channel.
Sol.:
0.5
a- Q=15 m3/sec, 𝑆 = = 0.0005
1000

1 2 1
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅3 𝑆 2
𝑛
𝐴 = 𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

𝐴 = 2𝐵 + (2)(2)2 = 2𝐵 + 8

P= 𝐵 + 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2

P= 𝐵 + 2(2)√1 + (2)2 = 𝐵 + 4√5

𝐴 2𝐵 + 8
𝑅= =
𝑃 𝐵 + 4√5
1 2𝐵 + 8 2 1
15 = (2𝐵 + 8)( )3 (0.0005)2
0.018 𝐵 + 4√5
5
15 × 0.018 (2𝐵 + 8 )3
1 = 2
(0.0005)2 (𝐵 + 4√5 )3
𝐵 = 1.75 𝑚
b- Q= 6 m3/sec, V=0.5 m/sec , y=2m , n=0.018 , z=2m , S=?

𝑄 6
𝐴= = = 12 𝑚2
𝑣 0.5
𝐴 = 𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2
12 = 2𝐵 + 2(2)2 = 2𝐵 + 8
𝐵 =2𝑚
1 2 1
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅3 𝑆 2
𝑛
P= 𝐵 + 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2

P= 2 + 2(2)√1 + (2)2 = 10.94 𝑚

𝐴 12
𝑅= = = 1.096 𝑚
𝑃 10.94
1 2 1
6= 12 × (1.096)3 𝑆 2
0.018
𝑆 = 0.0000715

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A circular Sewage of 1 m radius has longitudinal slope of (1 to 250 ) .find

the discharge though the sewage if depth of flow is 700 mm assuming (n) equal to
0.015
Sol.:
1 2 1
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅3 𝑆 2
𝑛
𝐴 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 − 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
2𝜃
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 ×
360
ℎ
cos 𝜃 =
𝑟
𝑟 =𝑑+ℎ
ℎ = 𝑟 − 𝑑 = 1 − 0.7 = 0.3 𝑚
0.3
cos 𝜃 = , 𝜃 = 72.54°
1
𝑥
sin 𝜃 =
𝑟
𝑥
Sin(72.54) = , 𝑥 = 0.95 𝑚
1
2𝜃
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ×
360
2(72.54)
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 𝜋(1)2 × = 1.266 𝑚2
360
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = × 2𝑥 × ℎ
2
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = × 2(0.95) × (0.3) = 0.285 𝑚2
2
𝐴 = 1.266 − 0.285 = 0.981 𝑚2
2𝜃
𝑃 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2𝜋𝑟 ×
360

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

(72.54)
𝑃 = 2𝜋(1) × = 2.53 𝑚
180
𝐴 0.981
𝑅= = = 0.387𝑚
𝑃 2.53
1 2 1 1
𝑄= (0.981) (0.387)3 ( )2
0.015 250
𝑄 = 2.196 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠𝑒𝑐

Example: Use the Same data of the previous example with depth of flow (y) equal
to 1.4 m. find the discharge ?
Sol.:
2 1
1
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅3 𝑆 2
𝑛

ℎ
cos 𝜃 =
𝑟
ℎ = 𝑑 − 𝑟 = 1.4 − 1 = 0.4 𝑚
0.4
cos 𝜃 = , 𝜃 = 66°
1
𝑥
sin 𝜃 =
𝑟
𝑥
Sin(66) = , 𝑥 = 0.91 𝑚
1
2𝜃 = 2 × 66 = 132
2𝛼 = 360 − 2𝜃 = 360 − 132 = 228°
Method 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 − 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟(2𝜃) + 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
2𝜃 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 𝜋𝑟 2 − 𝜋𝑟 2 × + × 2𝑥 × ℎ
360 2
132 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 𝜋(1)2 − 𝜋(1)2 × + × 2(0.91) × (0.4) = 2.35 𝑚2
360 2

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Method 2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟(2𝛼) + 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
2𝛼 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 𝜋𝑟 2 × + × 2𝑥 × ℎ
360 2
228 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 = 𝜋(1)2 × + × 2(0.91) × 0.4 = 2.35 𝑚2
360 2
Method 1
𝑃 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 − 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟(2𝜃)
2𝜃 132
𝑃 = 2𝜋𝑟 − 2𝜋𝑟 = 2𝜋(1) − 2𝜋(1) = 3.97 𝑚
360 360
Method 2
𝑃 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟(2𝛼)
2𝛼 228
𝑃 = 2𝜋𝑟 = 2𝜋(1) = 3.97 𝑚
360 360
𝐴 2.35
𝑅= = = 0.59 𝑚
𝑃 3.97
1 2 1 1
𝑄= (2.35) (0.59)3 ( )2
0.015 250
𝑄 = 6.97 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠𝑒𝑐

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Condition of the Most Economical Cross Section :

The main purpose of channel is to transport water therefore the cross section
of any geometrical shape channel which gives maximum discharge is known as most
economical cross section.
In other words the channel of most efficient cross section needs minimum of
excavation work for the given discharge through the channel is given by:

2 1
1
𝑄 =𝐴×𝑣 and 𝑣= 𝑅ℎ 3 𝑆 2
𝑛

For a given value of roughness factor (n); area of flow (A) and the hydraulic
slope (S) the discharge is maximum if the hydraulic radius (Rh) is maximum but
since:-
𝐴
𝑅ℎ =
𝑃
Hence , Rh is maximum if wetted parameter (P) is minimum.

Condition of the Most Economical Rectangular Section :

Consider a channel of rectangular section as shown the figure:

B= bed width
y= Depth of flow

𝐴=𝐵×𝑦
𝐴
𝐵=
𝑦
𝑃 = 𝐵 + 2𝑦
𝐴
𝑃 = + 2𝑦
𝑦
𝑑𝑃 −𝐴
= 2 +2=0
𝑑𝑦 𝑦
𝐴 = 2𝑦 2
𝐵 × 𝑦 = 2𝑦 2
𝐵 = 2𝑦

This is the width of channel should be twice water depth for maximum discharge.

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

That is mean the most economical rectangular section is one half of square.
𝐴 𝐵. 𝑦
𝑅ℎ = =
𝑃 𝐵 + 2𝑦
2𝑦. 𝑦 2𝑦 2
𝑅ℎ = =
2𝑦 + 2𝑦 4𝑦
𝑦
𝑅ℎ =
2

Example: find the discharge and best properties for a rectangular channel having
cross section area 4.5 m2 the bed slope is 0.001 and n is 0.013.
Sol.:
1 2 1
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅ℎ 3 𝑆 2
𝑛
𝐴 = 𝐵. 𝑦
𝑦
𝑅ℎ =
2
4.5 = 2𝑦. 𝑦
4.5
𝑦2 = = 2.25 𝑚
2
𝑦 = 1.5 𝑚
𝐵 = 2𝑦 = 2(1.5) = 3 𝑚
2
1 1.5 3 1 𝑚2
𝑄= (4.5) ( ) (0.01)2 = 9.03
0.013 2 𝑠𝑒𝑐

Example: find the best properties for rectangular channel to carry 1.5 m3/sec of
water when the bed slope is (1to 3000) taken n equal to 0.015?
Sol.:
1 2 1
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅ℎ 3 𝑆 2
𝑛
𝐴 = 𝐵. 𝑦 = 2𝑦 2
2 1
1 𝑦 3 1 2
1.5 = (2𝑦 2 ) ( ) ( )
0.015 2 3000

𝑦 = 0.92 𝑚 , 𝐵 = 2(0.92) = 1.84 𝑚

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Condition of the Most Economical Trapezoidal Section :

Consider a channel of trapezoidal section as shown the figure:

𝐴 = 𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2
𝐴
𝐵 = − 𝑍𝑦
𝑦
𝑃 = 𝐵 + 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2
𝐴
𝑃 = − 𝑍𝑦 + 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦
𝑑𝑃 −𝐴
= 2 − 𝑍 + 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑑𝑦 𝑦
𝐴
∴ 2 + 𝑍 = 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦
𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2
2
+ 𝑍 = 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦
𝑦(𝐵 + 𝑍𝑦)
+ 𝑍 = 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦2
(𝐵 + 𝑍𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦)
= 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦
(𝐵 + 2𝑍𝑦)
= 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦
𝐴 𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2 𝑦(𝐵 + 𝑍𝑦)
𝑅ℎ = = =
𝑃 𝐵 + 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2 𝐵 + (𝐵 + 2𝑍𝑦)
𝑦(𝐵 + 𝑍𝑦)
=
2𝐵 + 2𝑍𝑦
𝑦(𝐵 + 𝑍𝑦)
𝑅ℎ =
2(𝐵 + 𝑍𝑦)

𝑦
∴ 𝑅ℎ =
2

The most economical trapezoidal section is one half of hexagon , 𝜃 = 60°

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: find the width of the best efficient channel if it has side slope and bed
slope (1:1) and (1 to 1000) respectively the discharge is 15 m3/sec and Chezy
coefficient C=60?

Sol.:

𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅ℎ 𝑆0
𝐵 + 2𝑍𝑦
= 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦
𝐵 = 2√2𝑦 − 2𝑦 , 𝐵 = 0.828𝑦

𝑦 1
15 = 60(𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2 )√ ×
2 1000

15 𝑦 1
= (0.828𝑦 2 + 𝑦 2 )√ ×
60 2 1000

0.25 5
= 1.828𝑦 2
√0.0005
5
11.18 = 1.828𝑦 2
𝑦 = 2.064 𝑚
𝐵 = 0.828(2.064) = 1.71 𝑚

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A trapezoidal channel having side slope equal to 50° with the horizontal
as shown in the figure and laid on a slope of (1to 1000) the cross section area of the
channel is 2 m2 .find the discharge of this channel for the most economical cross
section? Use C=66

Sol:
1
tan 50° =
𝑍
𝑍 = 0.839
𝐵 + 2𝑍𝑦
= 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦
𝐵 = 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2 − 2𝑍𝑦

𝐵 = 2𝑦√1 + (0.839)2 − 2(0.839)𝑦

𝐵 = 0.932𝑦 ----------------------------------(1)

𝐴 = 𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2

2 = (0.932𝑦)𝑦 + (0.839)𝑦 2
𝑦 = 1.0627 𝑚

𝐵 = 0.932(1.0627) = 0.99 𝑚

𝑦 1.0627
𝑅ℎ = = = 0.531𝑚
2 2

𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅ℎ 𝑆𝑜
1
𝑄 = 66 × 2√(0531)( )
1000
𝑄 = 3.043 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠𝑒𝑐

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A trapezoidal channel having side slope equal to 60° with the horizontal
as shown in the figure and laid on a slope of (1to 750) carries discharge of 10 m3/sec.
find the width of the base and depth of flow for the most economical section, Take
C=66.

Sol.:

1
tan 60° =
𝑍
𝑍 = 0.5774
𝐵 + 2𝑍𝑦
= 2 √1 + 𝑍 2
𝑦
𝐵 = 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2 − 2𝑍𝑦
𝐵 = 2𝑦√1 + (0.5774)2 − 2(0.5774)𝑦
𝐵 = 1.155𝑦 ----------------------------------(1)

𝐴 = 𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2
𝐴 = (1.155𝑦)𝑦 + (0.577)𝑦 2
𝐴 = 1.7325𝑦 2 ----------------------------------(2)

𝑦
𝑅ℎ =
2
𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅ℎ 𝑆𝑜
𝑦 1
10 = 66 × (1.7325𝑦 2 ) √( )( )
2 750
𝑦 = 1.625 𝑚
𝐵 = 1.155𝑦
𝐵 = 1.155(1.625) = 1.876 𝑚

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A trapezoidal channel having side slope (1:1) it is required to discharge

13.75 m3/sec of water with a bed slope (1 to 1000). If this channel is unlined and the
value of C=44 and when this channel is lined with concrete the value C=60. The cost
per cubic meter of excavation is four times the cost per square meter of lining. The
channel is to be the most efficient one find whether the lined channel or the unlined
channel will be cheaper what will be the dimensions of the economical channel?

Sol.:
1- When the channel is unlined for most economical section.

𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅ℎ 𝑆𝑜
𝐵 + 2𝑍𝑦 = 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2
𝐵 + 2𝑦 = 2𝑦√2
𝐵 = 0.828𝑦
𝐴 = 𝐵𝑦 + 𝑍𝑦 2
𝐴 = (0.828𝑦)𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = 1.828𝑦2
𝑦
𝑅ℎ =
2
𝑦 1
13.75 = 44 × (1.828𝑦 2 ) √( )( )
2 1000
𝑦 = 2.256 𝑚
𝐵 = 0.828(2.256) = 1.876 𝑚
𝐴 = 1.828(2.256)2 = 9.303 𝑚2

Let the cost of lining of square meters of concrete =x

Cost of excavation per m3= 4 x
The cost of excavation per (1m) length of channel = volume of excavation =4x.

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 × 1 × 4𝑥 = 9.303 × 1 × 4𝑥 = 37.212𝑥

2-When the channel is lined

𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅ℎ 𝑆𝑜
𝑦 1
13.75 = 60 × (1.828𝑦 2 ) √( )( )
2 1000
𝑦 = 1.993 𝑚
𝐵 = 0.828(1.993 ) = 1.65 𝑚

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

𝐴 = 1.828(1.993)2 = 7.26 𝑚2

The cost of lined channel = cost of excavation + cost of lining

(𝐴 × 1 × 4𝑥) + (𝑃 ∗ 1 ∗ 𝑥)
𝑃 = 𝐵 + 2𝑦√1 + 𝑍 2
𝑃 = 1.65 + 2(1.993)√1 + 1
𝑃 = 7.287 𝑚
(7.26 ∗ 1 ∗ 4𝑥) + (7.287 ∗ 1 ∗ 𝑥) = 36.327 𝑥
The lined channel is cheaper

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A Circular channel of 1.2 m diameter is laid on a slope 1to 1500 . find
the discharge through the channel when velocity of flow is maximum . Take n=0.015
Sol.:
For maximum velocity y=0.81 D
𝑦 = 0.81(1.2) = 0.972 𝑚
ℎ =𝑦−𝑟
ℎ = 0.972 − 0.6 = 0.372 𝑚
ℎ
cos 𝜃 =
𝑟
0.372
cos 𝜃 = = 0.62 , 𝜃 = 51.68°
0.6
𝑥
sin 𝜃 =
𝑟
𝑥
sin 51.68 = , 𝑥 = 0.47
0.6
2𝜃 = 2 × 51.68 = 103.36°
2𝛼 = 360 − 103.36 = 256.64°
Area= Area of sector + Area of triangle
2𝛼 1
= 𝜋𝑟 2 + 2𝑥 × ℎ
360 2
256.64
= 𝜋(0.6)2 + 0.47 × 0.372
360
= 0.806 + 0.175 = 0.98 𝑚2

𝑃 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟

2𝛼
𝑃 = 2𝜋𝑟
360
256.64
𝑃 = 2𝜋(0.6)
360
𝑃 = 2.69 𝑚
𝐴
𝑅=
𝑃
0.98
𝑅= = 0.36 𝑚
2.69
1 2 1
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑅3 𝑆 2
𝑛
1 2 1 1
𝑄= (0.98)(0.36)3 ( )2
0.015 1500
𝑄 = 0.853 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠𝑒𝑐

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A Circular channel of 1.5 m diameter is laid on a slope 1to 1000 . find
the maximum discharge through this channel. Assume C=55

Sol.:
For maximum discharge y=0.95 D
𝑦 = 0.95(1.5) = 1.425 𝑚
ℎ =𝑦−𝑟
ℎ = 1.425 − 0.75 = 0.675 𝑚
ℎ
cos 𝜃 =
𝑟
0.675
cos 𝜃 = = 0.62 , 𝜃 = 25.84°
0.75
𝑥
sin 𝜃 =
𝑟
𝑥
sin 25.84 = , 𝑥 = 0.33 𝑚
0.75
2𝜃 = 2 × 25.84 = 51.68°
2𝛼 = 360 − 51.68 = 308.32°
Area= Area of sector + Area of triangle
2𝛼 1
= 𝜋𝑟 2 + 2𝑥 × ℎ
360 2
308.32
= 𝜋(0.75)2 + 0.33 × 0.675
360
= 1.513 + 0.223 = 1.736 𝑚2

𝑃 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟

2𝛼
𝑃 = 2𝜋𝑟
360
308.32
𝑃 = 2𝜋(0.75)
360
𝑃 = 4.036 𝑚
𝐴
𝑅=
𝑃
1.736
𝑅= = 0.43 𝑚
4.036
𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅 𝑆
1
𝑄 = 55 × 1.736√(0.43) ( )
1000
𝑄 = 1.975 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠𝑒𝑐

Open Channel Hydraulics Ahmed Saadi Mahmood

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Non Uniform Flow in Open Channel:

If change in channel cross section or channel discharge or depth of flow in any

section , the flow is said non uniform flow .

Energy of flowing liquid in open channel.

The Bernoulli’s Equation

𝑃 𝑣2
+ + 𝑍 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝛾 2𝑔

The equation is also applicable in open channel flow:-

𝑃
= y cos 𝜃 ,𝜃 ≈ 0 , cos 𝜃 ≈ 1
𝛾

𝑃
=𝑦
𝛾
𝑣2
∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 = 𝑦 + +𝑍
2𝑔

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Specific Energy of channels :

The fact that the bed of the channel may not be exactly horizontal . but 𝜃 = 0

Then taking the bed channel as a datum, therefore

𝑍=0
𝑣2
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦(𝐸) = 𝑦 +
2𝑔
𝑄 𝑞∗𝐵 𝑞
For rectangular channel , 𝑣 = = =
𝐴 𝑦∗𝐵 𝑦

1 𝑞 2
∴𝐸 = 𝑦+ ( )
2𝑔 𝑦

Example: A rectangular channel 4 m wide is discharging water at rate of 12 m3/sec.

Find specific energy of water if the depth of flow is 2 m.
Sol.:

Method 1
𝑣2
𝐸 = 𝑦+ +𝑍
2𝑔
𝑄 12
𝑣= = = 1.5 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐴 4×2
(1.5)2
∴𝐸 = 2+ = 2.114 𝑚
2 × 9.81

Method 2
1 𝑞 2
𝐸 = 𝑦+ ( )
2𝑔 𝑦
𝑄 12
𝑄 = 𝑞 × 𝐵 ,𝑞 = = = 3 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐵 4
1 3
𝐸 = 2+ ( )2 = 2.114 𝑚
2(9.81) 2

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Specific Energy and Alternate Depths of Flow in Rectangular

Channel:
𝑣2 1 𝑞 2
𝐸 = 𝑦+ =𝑦+ ( )
2𝑔 2𝑔 𝑦
1 𝑞2
𝐸−𝑦= ∗
2𝑔 𝑦2
𝑞2
2
(𝐸 − 𝑦)𝑦 =
2𝑔

1-A Plot of E with respect to y for constant q gives a specific energy discharge as
shown in the figure:

2-Each different value of q will gives a different curve.

3-Each value of E gives two values possible different values of y these two values
known alternate depths.
4-The two alternate depths represent two locally different flow ,slow and deep in
the upper limb of the curve and fast and low in the lower limb of the curve.
5-The upper limb represent the subcritical flow and the lower limb represent the
supercritical flow.
𝐹𝑟 > 1 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤
𝐹𝑟 = 1 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤
𝐹𝑟 < 1 𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤
𝑣
𝐹𝑟 =
√𝑔𝑦

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

6-At point C for a given q , the value of E is minimum and the flow at this point
referred to as critical flow . the depth of flow at that point is critical flow (yc) and
the velocity is critical velocity (vc)
7-A relation for critical in wide rectangular channel can be found by deafferenting
E of equation with respect to y:-
1 𝑞2
𝐸=𝑦+ ∗
2𝑔 𝑦 2
𝑑𝐸 𝑞2 𝑞2 𝑞2
=1− 3 , 0= 1− 3 , 1= 3
𝑑𝑦 𝑔𝑦 𝑔𝑦 𝑔𝑦
2 3
𝑞 = 𝑔𝑦
𝑄 = 𝑣𝐴 = 𝑞 ∗ 𝐵 = 𝑣𝑐 (𝑦𝑐 ∗ 𝐵)
𝑞
𝑣𝑐 = , 𝑞 = 𝑣𝑐 ∗ 𝑦𝑐
𝑦𝑐
𝑞 2 = 𝑣𝑐 2 ∗ 𝑦𝑐 2
𝑔𝑦𝑐 3 = 𝑣𝑐 2 ∗ 𝑦𝑐 2
𝑣𝑐 2 = 𝑔𝑦𝑐
𝑣𝑐 = √𝑔𝑦𝑐
𝑞
= √𝑔𝑦𝑐
𝑦𝑐
𝑞2 3
𝑞3
= 𝑔𝑦𝑐 → 𝑦𝑐 =
𝑦𝑐 2 𝑔
𝑞2 1
𝑦𝑐 = ( )3 for rectangular channel
𝑔

2
𝑣𝑐 2
𝑣𝑐 = 𝑔𝑦𝑐 → 𝑦𝑐 =
𝑔
𝑦𝑐 𝑣𝑐 2
=
2 2𝑔
𝑣2
𝐸=𝑦+
2𝑔
𝑣𝑐 2
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑦𝑐 +
2𝑔
𝑦𝑐 3𝑦𝑐
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑦𝑐 + =
2 2
∴ 𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1.5𝑦𝑐
2
𝑂𝑟 𝑦𝑐 = 𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛
3

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 Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A rectangular channel of bed width 4m is discharging water at rate 10

m3/sec . plot the specific energy curve for this flow and from curve determine the
following:-
1- The critical depth (yc).
2- The minimum specific energy (Emin).
3- Alternate depths of flow for specific energy equal to 2m.
4- Check the result with these obtained by calculation.
5- What will be the type of flow if the depth is ;
a- 0.6 m
b- 2 m.
Sol.:
𝑄 = 10 𝑚3 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
1 𝑞2
𝐸=𝑦+ ∗
2𝑔 𝑦 2
𝑄 10 𝑚3
𝑞= = = 2.5 /𝑚
𝐵 4 𝑠𝑒𝑐
1 (2.5)2 6.25 1
𝐸=𝑦+ ∗ = 𝑦 + ( )
2(9.81) 𝑦2 19.62 𝑦 2

y 0.125 0.25 0.375 0.5 0.625 0.75 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.125 1.375 1.5 1.75 2 2.5
E 2.051 5.37 2.65 1.78 1.44 1.32 1.3 1.295 1.32 1.38 1.58 1.64 1.85 2.08 2.55

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

𝑞2 1 (2.5)2 1
4- 𝑦𝑐 = ( )3 = ( )3 = 0.8605 𝑚
𝑔 9.81
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1.5𝑦𝑐 = 1.5(0.8605) = 1.29𝑚

When E=2m
1 (2.5)2
2=𝑦+ ∗
19.62 𝑦2
𝑦1 = 0.46 𝑚
𝑦2 = 1.91 𝑚

5- 𝑦 = 0.6 𝑚 < 𝑦 = 0.86 𝑚

∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
𝑣
𝑂𝑟 𝐹𝑟 =
√𝑔𝑦
𝑞 2.5
𝑣= = = 4.16 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑦1 0.6
4.16
𝐹𝑟 = = 1.7 > 1
√9.81 × 0.6
∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

𝑦 > 2𝑚
𝑦𝑐 = 0.86 𝑚

∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

𝑣
𝑂𝑟 𝐹𝑟 =
√𝑔𝑦
𝑞 2.5
𝑣= = = 1.25 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑦2 2
1.25
𝐹𝑟 = = 0.29 < 1
√ 9.81 × 2

∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A rectangular channel of most efficient cross section is laid on of (1to

1500) and discharging water at a rate of 40 m3/sec . determine the type of flow in
this channel . Take C=60
Sol.:

𝑄 = 𝐶𝐴√𝑅𝑆
For most efficient section 𝐵 = 2𝑦
∴ 𝐴 = 2𝑦 2
𝑦 1
40 = 60(2𝑦 2 )√ ( )
2 1500
𝑦 = 3.2 𝑚
𝐵 = 2(3.2) = 6.4 𝑚
𝑞2 1
𝑦𝑐 = ( )3
𝑔
𝑄 40 𝑚3
𝑞= = = 6.25 /𝑚
𝐵 6.4 𝑠𝑒𝑐
(6.25)2 1
𝑦𝑐 = ( )3 = 1.58 𝑚
9.81
∴ 𝑦 = 3.2 𝑚 > 𝑦𝑐 = 1.58 𝑚
∴ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
𝑣
𝑂𝑟 𝐹𝑟 =
√𝑔𝑦
𝑄 40
𝑣= = = 1.95 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐴 6.4(3.2)
1.95
𝐹𝑟 = = 0.34 < 1
√9.81 × 3.2

∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Specific Energy and Critical Depths for Non-Rectangular Channel:

At section of any type of channel the specific energy of flowing equation:-

𝑣2
𝐸=𝑦+
2𝑔
1 𝑄
𝐸=𝑦+ ∗ ( )2
2𝑔 𝐴
𝑄2
𝐸=𝑦+
2𝑔𝐴2
𝑑𝐸 𝑄2 2 𝑑𝐴
=1+ (− 3 ) =0
𝑑𝑦 2𝑔 𝐴 𝑑𝑦

𝑄2 𝑑𝐴
∗ =1
𝑔𝐴3 𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝐴
𝑑𝐴 = 𝑇 ∗ 𝑑𝑦 , =𝑇
𝑑𝑦
T= Width of water surface at depth of water equal y.
𝑄2 𝑄2 𝑔
∗𝑇=1 , 3=
𝑔𝐴3 𝐴 𝑇

𝑄2 𝑔
= At critical condition
𝐴𝑐 3 𝑇𝑐

𝑄2 𝑔𝐴𝑐
=
𝐴𝑐 2 𝑇𝑐
𝑔𝐴𝑐
𝑣𝑐 2 =
𝑇𝑐
𝑔𝐴𝑐
𝑣𝑐 = √
𝑇𝑐
𝐴𝑐
(𝑦𝑐 )𝑎𝑣𝑒 =
𝑇𝑐
𝑣𝑐 = √𝑔𝑦𝑐 (𝑎𝑣𝑒)

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

𝑦𝑐 (𝑎𝑣𝑒) = The average depth for critical condition.

𝐴
= 𝑦(𝑎𝑣𝑒)
𝑇
𝑣𝑐 2 = 𝑔𝑦𝑐 (𝑎𝑣𝑒)
Now writing the equation for minimum specific energy equation
𝑣𝑐 2
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑦𝑐 +
2𝑔
𝑔𝑦𝑐 (𝑎𝑣𝑒)
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑦𝑐 +
2𝑔
𝑦𝑐 (𝑎𝑣𝑒)
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑦𝑐 +
2
𝑣𝑐
∴ 𝐹𝑟 =
√𝑔𝑦𝑐 (𝑎𝑣𝑒)

Example: As shown in figure, water flow uniformly at a steady rate of 14 Cfs in

very long triangle flume that has side slope 1:1 . the flume is laid on a slope 0.001
and n= 0.015 . Is the flow in this flume subcritical or supercritical? and find
minimum specific energy?
Sol.:
1
𝐴 = (2𝑦)(𝑦) = 𝑦 2
2
𝑃 = 2√𝑦 2 + 𝑦 2 = 2𝑦√2
𝐴 𝑦2 𝑦
𝑅= = =
𝑃 2𝑦√2 2√2
1.49 2 1
𝑄= 𝐴 𝑅3 𝑆 2
𝑛
2
1.49 2)
𝑦 3 1
14 = ∗ (𝑦 ∗( ) ∗ (0.006)2
0.012 2√2
𝑦 = 1.494 𝑓𝑡
𝑄2 𝑔
= 𝑇𝑐 = 2𝑍𝑦𝑐 = 2𝑦𝑐
𝐴𝑐 3 𝑇𝑐
(14)2 32.2
=
(𝑦𝑐 2 )3 2𝑦𝑐

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

𝑦 = 1.6848 > 𝑦𝑐 = 1.494

∴ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

𝐴𝑐 𝑦𝑐 2 𝑦𝑐 1.648
(𝑦𝑐 )𝑎𝑣𝑒 = = = = = 0.824
𝑇𝑐 2𝑦𝑐 2 2
𝑦𝑐 (𝑎𝑣𝑒)
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑦𝑐 +
2
0.824
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1.648 +
2
𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2.06 𝑓𝑡

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: A channel of trapezoidal section , 2m wide at the base with side sloping
45° with the horizontal . This channel carries water at rate of 6 m3/sec. Find the
following :-
1- The critical depth (yc).
2- What is the type of flow if the depth of water is 1m .
3- Compute Fr for normal depth of flow =1.2m .
Sol.:

1
tan 45° =
𝑍
𝑍=1
𝐴 = 𝐵 ∗ 𝑦𝑐 + 𝑍 ∗ 𝑦𝑐 2
= 2𝑦𝑐 + 𝑦𝑐 2

𝑇 = 𝐵 + 2𝑍𝑦𝑐
= 2 + 2𝑦𝑐

𝑄2 𝑔
=
𝐴𝑐 3 𝑇𝑐

62 9.81
=
(2𝑦𝑐 + 𝑦𝑐 )3 (2 + 2𝑦𝑐 )

62 (2𝑦𝑐 + 𝑦𝑐 )3
=
9.81 (2 + 2𝑦𝑐 )

𝑦𝑐 = 0.838 𝑚
𝑦 = 1𝑚 > 𝑦𝑐 = 0.838 𝑚
∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

𝑂𝑟
𝐴 = 𝐵 ∗ 𝑦 + 𝑍 ∗ 𝑦2
= 2 ∗ (1) + (1) ∗ (1)2 = 3𝑚

𝑄 6
𝑣= = = 2 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐴 3

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

𝑣
𝐹𝑟 =
√𝑔𝑦𝑎𝑣.

𝐴 3
𝑦𝑎𝑣. = = = 0.75
𝑇 2 + 2(1)(1)

2
𝐹𝑟 = = 0.737 < 1
√9.81 × 0.75

∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

𝑦 = 1.2𝑚
𝐴 = 𝐵 ∗ 𝑦 + 𝑍 ∗ 𝑦2
= 2 ∗ (1.2) + (1) ∗ (1.2)2 = 3.84𝑚

𝑄 6
𝑣= = = 1.56 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐴 3.84
𝑣
𝐹𝑟 =
√𝑔𝑦𝑎𝑣.

𝐴 3.84
𝑦𝑎𝑣. = = = 0.87
𝑇 2 + 2(1)(1.2)

1.56
𝐹𝑟 = = 0.737 < 1
√9.81 × 0.87

∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: Compute the critical depth for flow at 0.4 m3/sec through the cross
section of figure . And what is the type of flow if the depth of water is 0.5 m?.

Sol.:

1
𝐴= 2(𝑦𝑐 tan 30) × 𝑦𝑐
2
= 0.5774𝑦𝑐 2

𝑇 = 2(𝑦𝑐 tan 30)

= 1.155 𝑦𝑐

𝑄2 𝑔
=
𝐴𝑐 3 𝑇𝑐

0.42 9.81
=
(0.5774𝑦𝑐 2 )3 1.155 𝑦𝑐

𝑦𝑐 = 0.628 𝑚

𝑦 = 0.5𝑚 < 𝑦𝑐 = 0.628 𝑚

∴ 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙

H.W: A channel of trapezoidal carry water at rate equal to of 10 m3/sec. Manning

n=0.02 and bed slope is 0.0025 the side slope of this channel (Z) is 2:1.
Compute the bed width (B) of this channel if the allowable velocity of flow is 1.5
m/sec

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Classification of Slopes:

As already described, the type of flow depends upon the depth of flow.
There are three types of following depth:

1- Normal Depth (yn)

When a channel of given slope carries uniform flow, then the depth of flow
in the channel is called (Normal Depth). It is called normal because the area of
flow must be taken normal to the direction of flow which in case of uniform is
parallel to the bed.

2- Critical Depth (yc)

Already the definition of the critical depth have been given the flow is
critical when it is equal to normal depth.

3- Actual Depth (y)

If the flow in a channel is of gradually varied type, then the depth of flow
actually occurring at a section is called (Actual Depth).

Now, based upon the depth and type of flow, the bed slope may be classified
in to following five types:
1- Critical Slope (Sc).

The slope of channel bed is said to be critical, when the normal depth (y n) is
equal to the critical depth (yc). The critical slope can be calculated by Manning’s
formula if the depth (yc) is known. (yc=yn)

Open Channel Hydraulics Ahmed Saadi Mahmood

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

2- Mild Slope

The mild slope of a channel may be defined as a slope less than the critical
slope. In this case the normal depth of flow will be greater than the critical depth
(yn>yc).

3- Steep Slope

When the slope of a channel is more than critical slope, it is said to be steep
slope. Hence, the normal depth for uniform flow will be less than critical depth
(yn<yc) and the flow being super critical flow.

4- Horizontal Slope

A channel with zero slope is said to be of horizontal slope.

5- Adverse Slope

This is negative slope, where the bed is rises in the direction of flow.

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

Example: Find the alternate depths for a rectangular channel with bed with equal to
3.6 m and carrying a discharge of 8.64 m3 /sec . The specific energy (E ) being 1.7
m . determine the necessary slope to maintain uniform flow at the above depths and
name these slopes .Also , find the critical slope . what are the Froud’s number at the
flow depths assume n=0.015.

Sol.:
𝑣2
𝐸=𝑦+
2𝑔
1 𝑞2
𝐸=𝑦+ ∗
2𝑔 𝑦 2
𝑄 8.64 𝑚3
𝑞= = = 2.4 /𝑚
𝐵 3.6 𝑠𝑒𝑐
1 2.42
1.7 = 𝑦 + ∗
2𝑔 𝑦 2
𝑦1 = 0.48 𝑚
𝑦2 = 1.59 𝑚

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑦1 = 0.48 𝑚
𝐴1 = 𝐵 ∗ 𝑦1 = 3.6 ∗ 0.48 = 1.76 𝑚2
𝑃1 = 𝐵 + 2𝑦1 = 3.6 + 2 ∗ 0.48 = 4.58 𝑚

𝐴1 1.76
𝑅1 = = = 0.38 𝑚
𝑃1 4.58
1 2 1
𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑅1 𝑆1 2
3
𝑛
1 2 1
8.64 = (1.76) (0.38)3 𝑆1 2
0.015
𝑆1 = 0.019

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑦2 = 1.59 𝑚
𝐴2 = 𝐵 ∗ 𝑦2 = 3.6 ∗ 1.59 = 5.75 𝑚2
𝑃2 = 𝐵 + 2𝑦2 = 3.6 + 2 ∗ 1.59 = 6.78 𝑚

𝐴2 5.75
𝑅2 = = = 0.84 𝑚
𝑃2 6.78

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

1 2 1
𝑄= 𝐴2 𝑅2 3 𝑆2 2
𝑛
1 2 1
8.64 = (5.75) (0.84)3 𝑆2 2
0.015
𝑆2 = 0.00064

In order to name the above slope it must be Sc therefore yc must be given :-

𝑞2 1
𝑦𝑐 = ( )3
𝑔
2.42 1
𝑦𝑐 = ( )3 = 0.83 𝑚
9.81
𝐴𝑐 = 𝐵 ∗ 𝑦𝑐 = 3.6 ∗ 0.83 = 2.98 𝑚2
𝑃𝑐 = 𝐵 + 2𝑦𝑐 = 3.6 + 2 ∗ 0.83 = 5.26 𝑚

𝐴𝑐 2.98
𝑅𝑐 = = = 0.56 𝑚
𝑃𝑐 5.26
1 2 1
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑐 𝑅𝑐 3 𝑆𝑐 2
𝑛
1 2 1
8.64 = (2.98) (0.56)3 𝑆𝑐 2
0.015
𝑆𝑐 = 0.00409
∴ 𝑆1 = 0.019 > 𝑆𝑐 = 0.00409 ∴ 𝑆1 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 (𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟)
∴ 𝑆2 = 0.00064 < 𝑆𝑐 = 0.00409 ∴ 𝑆2 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 (𝑆𝑢𝑏)

𝑣1
𝐹𝑟1 =
√𝑔𝑦1
𝑄 8.64
𝑣1 = = = 4.9 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐴1 1.76
4.9
𝐹𝑟1 = = 2.23 > 1 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
√9.81 ∗ 0.48

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Open Channel Hydraulics Lectures 3rd Stage /Environmental Engineering Department

𝑣2
𝐹𝑟2 =
√𝑔𝑦2
𝑄 8.64
𝑣1 = = = 1.51 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐴2 5.75
1.51
𝐹𝑟2 = = 0.38 < 1 𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
√9.81 ∗ 1.59

𝑣𝑐
𝐹𝑟𝑐 =
√𝑔𝑦𝑐
𝑄 8.64
𝑣𝑐 = = = 2.891 𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐴𝑐 2.98
2.891
𝐹𝑟𝑐 = = 1.01 ≈ 1 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤.
√9.81 ∗ 0.83

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