Uniform Flow
Lecture-5
Introduction
A flow is said to be uniform if its
properties remain constant with
respect to distance
• Uniform flow is possible only in a
prismatic channels
• Slope of the energy line Sf, slope of
water surface Sw and bottom slope
S0 will be equal to each other
By definition there is no acceleration in uniform fl ow. By applying the
momentum equation to a control volume encompassing Sections 1 and
2, distance L apart
P1 − W sin ϴ − Ff − P2= M2 − M1
where P1 and P2 are the pressure forces and M1 and M2 are the
momentum fluxes at Sections 1 and 2 respectively W = weight to fluid
in the control volume and Ff = shear force at the boundary.
Since the flow is uniform,
P1 = P2 and M1 = M2
Also, W = γ AL and Ff = τ0 PL
where τ0 = average shear stress on the wetted perimeter of length P and
γ = unit weight of water. Replacing sin θ by S0 (= bottom slope), Eq. can
be written as
γALS0 = τ0 PL
or
𝐴
τ0= γ S0= γ RS0
𝑃
where R = A/P is defined as the hydraulic radius. R is a length
parameter accounting for the shape of the channel.
Expressing the average shear stress τ0 as τ0 = kρV2, where k = a coefficient which
depends on the nature of the surface and flow parameters, Eq. is written as
kρ V2= γ R𝑆0
leading to V = C 𝑅𝑆0 Chezy Formula
𝛾
where 𝐶 = = a coefficient which depends on the nature of the surface and the flow.
𝑘𝜌
Manning’s formula
A resistance formula proposed by Robert Manning, an Irish engineer, for uniform flow
in open channels, is
1 2ൗ 1ൗ
𝑉= 𝑅 3𝑆 2
𝑛
where n = a roughness coefficient known as Manning’s n. This coefficient is essentially
a function of the nature of boundary surface.
Owing to its simplicity and acceptable degree of accuracy in a variety of practical
applications, the Manning’s formula is probably the most widely used uniform flow
formula in the world.
Uniform flow Computation
The Manning’s formula and the continuity equation, Q = AV form the
basic equations for uniform-flow computations.
2Τ
For a given channel, 𝐴 𝑅 is a function of the depth of flow.
3
Example, consider a trapezoidal section of bottom width = B and side
slope m horizontal: 1 vertical.
2Τ 𝑄𝑛
• Since 𝐴 𝑅 3 = and if n and S0 are fixed for a channel, a unique
𝑆0
depth is associated with each discharge in uniform flow.
• The normal depth is defined as the depth of flow at which a given
discharge flows as uniform flow in a given channel.
• The normal depth is designated as y0, the suffix ‘0’ being usually used
to indicate uniform-flow conditions.
Computation of Normal Depth
Rectangular Channel
Trapezoidal Channel
Hydraulically Efficient Channel Sections
Let O be centre of the water surface. OS and OT are perpendiculars drawn to the bed and sides
respectively.
DESIGN OF IRRIGATION CANALS
For a uniform flow in a canal,
where A and R are in general functions of the geometric elements of the canal. If
the canal is of trapezoidal cross-section.
Q=f(n, y0, S, B, m)
Canal Section Normally, a trapezoidal section is adopted. Rectangular cross-
sections are also in use in special situations, such as in rock cuts, steep chutes
and in cross-drainage works. The side slope, expressed as m horizontal: 1
vertical, depends on the type of canal, i.e. lined or unlined, nature and type of
soil through which the canal is laid.
Permissible Velocity
A trapezoidal channel is to carry a discharge of 50 m3/s. The maximum slope that can be used is
0.004. The soil is hard. Design the channel as (a) a lined canal with concrete lining and (b) an unlined
non-erodible channel.
