CHAPTER THREE
FLOW COMPUTATION FORMULAS
Critical Flow:
Specific energy is minimum
𝑌𝑐
Velocity head = half hydraulic depth = 2
Froude number =Unity = Fr2 =1
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2
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Cont,,d
If the critical state of flow exists throughout the entire length of the
channel or over a reach of the channel, the flow in the channel is
critical flow.
The slope of a channel that sustains a given discharge at a uniform and
critical depth is called the critical slope (Sc).
A slope of the channel less than the critical slope will cause a slower
flow of water sub critical state for the given discharge, as will be
shown later, and hence, is called a mild or sub critical slope and
a slope greater than the critical slope will result in a faster flow of
water supercritical state and is called a steep or supercritical slope.
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A flow at or near the critical state is unstable.
because a minor change in specific energy at or close to
critical state will cause a major change in depth.
This fact can also be recognized in the specific energy curve.
It can be observed also that, which the flow is near the
critical state, the water surface appears unstable and wavy.
Such phenomena are generally caused by the minor changes
in energy due to variations in channel roughness, cross-
section, slope or deposits of sediment or debris.
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In the design of channel, if the depth is found at or near the
critical depth for a greater length of the channel, the shape or
slope of the channel should be altered, if practicable, is order
to secure greater stability.
The criterion for a critical state of flow
is the basis for the computation of critical flow
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Cont..
Equation 3.1 is a very useful tool for the computation and
analysis of critical flow in an open channel,
When the discharge is given, the equation gives the critical
section factor Zc and, hence the critical depth yc.
On the other hand when the depth and, hence the section
factor are given, the critical discharge can be computed by
the following form.
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Computation of critical flow
Involves the determination of critical depth and velocity (yc
& vc) when the discharge and the channel section are
known.
Two major applications of critical flow theory are flow
control and flow measurement.
Control section (flow control)
The control of flow in an open channel or at a structure
means the establishment of explicit relationship (one to one
relationship) between the stage (water level) and the
discharge of flow. 9
When the control of flow is achieved at a certain
section of a channel or structure, this section is called
the control section.
The control section is always suitable for gauging
station since it is always suitable site for developing the
discharge rating curve, a curve representing the depth –
discharge relationship.
At critical state of flow a definitive stage discharge
relationship can be established and represented by the
equation
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This equation theoretically independent of the
channel roughness and other uncontrolled
circumstances, Therefore, the critical flow section is
a control section.
Control sections occur at entrances and exits to
channels and at changes in channels slopes, under
certain conditions.
A gate in channel can be a control for both the
upstream and downstream reaches.
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The change from sub critical to supercritical occurs in a
control section.
The change from super –critical to sub –critical is only
possible by means of a hydraulic jump.
All super – critical (rapid) flows are controlled by
upstream conditions and computations of surface
profiles start at the upstream end of a channel.
Sub critical flow computations start at the downstream
end of a reach and are carried out in an upstream
direction.
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If a flow over a spillway passes through critical stage at the
channel, the depth can be computed therefore a given
discharge or the discharge can be found from the given
(measured) water depth.
In case of steep channel the computation proceed in the
downstream direction.
Example of a control section in a reservoir (pool) created by
a dam and the water flowing over the dam through an
overflow spillway. Different flow conditions might occur in
the channel downstream of the spillway.
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If the channel has a critical slope, then the flow is initially
critical and remains critical throughout the channel.
In the proximity of the dam, however, the flow in the
reservoir is sub critical and the reservoir surface will
approach the horizontal.
At the downstream end of the reservoir, near the spillway a
so called drawdown curve will develop, extending in an
upstream direction, starting at a section near the spillway
crest.
The drawdown curve will be asymptotic to the upstream
reservoir level.
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In the presence of the dam, the reservoir level will be
raised for a long distance (upstream from the
spillway crest).
The additional height in water level is required to
build up enough energy head, necessary to convey
water over the spillway crest.
This effect of raising the water level upstream of
spillway is known as a backwater curve.
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Uniform flow
Characteristics of uniform flow
Depth, wetted area, velocity, and discharge at every
sections of the channel is constant;
The energy line, water surface, and channel bottom
are all parallel; i.e. their slopes are all equal Sf = Sw
= So.
The depth of uniform flow is called the normal
depth.
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Computation of Uniform flow
1. Average velocity: computed by chezy and
manning's formula.
The popular two equations are the Chezy’s equation,
developed in 1769, and the Manning’s equation, developed
in 1889.
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Chezy Formula
V = C RS --------------------------------(*)
Where: V is the mean velocity is m/s, R is the hydraulic radius
in m, S is the slope of energy line (m/m), and C is a factor of
flow resistance, called Chezy’s C.
The Manning equation is
Where n = Manning resistance coefficient, in
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From the viewpoint of modern fluid mechanics, the
dimensions of the resistance coefficients C and η and to take
these dimensions into account where appropriate.
Since the Chezy’s and Manning’s equations describe the
same phenomena, the coefficients C and n must be related
setting equation (*) is equal to equation (**),
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Calculation of Normal Depth and Velocity
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2.3 Momentum principles equation
From a hydraulic viewpoint, therefore, the channel
section having the least wetted perimeter for a given
area has a maximum conveyance; such a section is
known as the best hydraulic section.
In Manning’s equation the parameter AR2/3 is termed
as the section factor for uniform flow computation; it is
an important element in the computation of uniform
flow. From Manning’s equation.
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In general, the most difficult and tedious normal flow
calculation occurs when Q, the shape of the channel, bottom
slope and n are known and yn must be estimated. In such
cases, an explicit solution is not possible and problem must
be solved by:
Trial and error (Algebric method)
Numerical method (using computer)
Wide Rectangular Channel(yo/B<0.02)
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Cont..
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Trapezoidal Channel
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