Normal Flow
Normal Flow
Normal flow refers to the steady, uniform flow condition in an open channel where the depth of
flow, velocity, and cross-sectional area remain constant along the channel's length. This occurs
when the gravitational force driving the flow balances the frictional resistance exerted by the
channel bed.
1. Uniform Depth:
o The flow depth remains constant (yny_nyn), also called the normal depth.
2. Uniform Velocity:
o The velocity profile does not vary along the channel length.
3. Force Balance:
o Slope of the energy grade line (SfS_fSf) equals the bed slope (S0S_0S0).
o The flow rate for normal flow can be calculated using Manning's equation:
Q=1nAR2/3S01/2Q = \frac{1}{n} A R^{2/3} S_0^{1/2}Q=n1AR2/3S01/2 Where:
▪ RRR: Hydraulic radius (A/PA / PA/P), where PPP is the wetted perimeter
(mmm)
The step method is a computational procedure used to analyze gradually varied flow profiles in
open channels. Gradually varied flow occurs when the flow depth changes slowly over a distance
due to variations in channel slope, roughness, or geometry.
1. Energy Conservation:
o The total head at any section is conserved, with small changes over a distance.
2. Flow Profiles:
o Used to calculate the water surface profile (y(x)y(x)y(x)) for subcritical or
supercritical flow conditions in non-uniform flow.
3. Iterative Computation:
o The channel is divided into small segments, and depth is computed iteratively
using numerical methods.
o Divide the channel into small steps (Δx\Delta xΔx) along the flow direction.
o Determine the initial flow depth (y1y_1y1) at the starting section (known
conditions like normal depth, critical depth, or a boundary condition).
o Between two points (111 and 222), the specific energy equation is used:
E1=E2+ΔHE_1 = E_2 + \Delta HE1=E2+ΔH Where:
o Compute the flow velocity and head loss due to friction: Sf=n2V2R4/3S_f =
\frac{n^2 V^2}{R^{4/3}}Sf=R4/3n2V2
5. Iterate:
o Compute the new depth (y2y_2y2) and move to the next section using numerical
methods (e.g., trial and error or Newton-Raphson).
o Repeat the process until the entire profile is calculated along the channel.
1. Design of Channels:
2. Flood Routing:
Suppose:
3. Update Depth: Adjust y2y_2y2 iteratively until the energy balance holds: