Critical Flow: Overview
Critical flow is a condition in open channel hydraulics where the flow velocity matches the wave
propagation speed. This represents a unique state where gravitational and inertial forces are
perfectly balanced. The Froude number (FrFrFr) at critical flow is exactly 1.
Critical flow is a key concept in hydraulic engineering, as it provides insight into flow stability,
energy efficiency, and transitions between subcritical and supercritical flow regimes.
Key Characteristics of Critical Flow
1. Froude Number:
o Fr=1Fr = 1Fr=1, where: Fr=Vg⋅yFr = \frac{V}{\sqrt{g \cdot y}}Fr=g⋅yV
o VVV: Flow velocity
o ggg: Gravitational acceleration
o yyy: Hydraulic depth (flow depth).
2. Wave Behavior:
o At critical flow, the velocity of the flow equals the speed of small surface waves,
making waves appear stationary relative to the flow.
3. Minimum Specific Energy:
o Critical flow occurs at the minimum specific energy for a given discharge.
o The specific energy (EEE) is: E=y+V22gE = y + \frac{V^2}{2g}E=y+2gV2
4. Flow Transition:
o Critical flow serves as a boundary between subcritical flow (Fr<1Fr < 1Fr<1, slow
and deep) and supercritical flow (Fr>1Fr > 1Fr>1, fast and shallow).
Determining Critical Depth (ycy_cyc)
Critical depth is the flow depth at which critical flow occurs, and it depends on the flow rate per
unit width (qqq):
yc=(q2g)1/3y_c = \left( \frac{q^2}{g} \right)^{1/3}yc=(gq2)1/3
Where:
• q=QBq = \frac{Q}{B}q=BQ: Discharge per unit width (m2/s\text{m}^2/\text{s}m2/s).
• QQQ: Flow discharge (m3/s\text{m}^3/\text{s}m3/s).
• BBB: Channel width (m\text{m}m).
Applications of Critical Flow
1. Channel Design:
o Engineers design channels to achieve or avoid critical flow based on project
requirements.
2. Flow Measurement:
o Critical flow is used in hydraulic structures (e.g., weirs, flumes) to measure flow
rates accurately, as the flow depth uniquely determines the discharge.
3. Energy Efficiency:
o Critical flow minimizes specific energy for a given discharge, which can improve
system efficiency in certain applications.
4. Stability Analysis:
o Critical flow marks the transition point between stable (subcritical) and unstable
(supercritical) conditions.
Example Calculation
Suppose:
• Flow rate (QQQ) = 2.0 m³/s
• Channel width (BBB) = 3.0 m.
1. Calculate discharge per unit width (qqq):
q=QB=2.03.0=0.667 m2/s.q = \frac{Q}{B} = \frac{2.0}{3.0} = 0.667 \, \text{m}^2/\text{s}.q=BQ
=3.02.0=0.667m2/s.
2. Determine critical depth (ycy_cyc):
yc=(q2g)1/3y_c = \left( \frac{q^2}{g} \right)^{1/3}yc=(gq2)1/3
yc=(0.66729.81)1/3=(0.4459.81)1/3=0.213 m.y_c = \left( \frac{0.667^2}{9.81} \right)^{1/3} = \left(
\frac{0.445} {9.81} \right)^{1/3} = 0.213 \, \text{m}.yc=(9.810.6672)1/3=(9.810.445)1/3=0.213m.
The critical depth is 0.213 m.
Importance in Practice
• Spillways: Ensuring critical flow occurs at the crest for predictable discharge.
• Flood Management: Designing channels to avoid transitions between subcritical and
supercritical flow that could lead to hydraulic jumps or energy losses.
• Flow Regulation: Using structures like sluices or gates to maintain critical conditions for
optimal performance.
Would you like further details on its use in specific hydraulic structures or visual examples of
critical flow?
