Open Channel Transitions Rational Method

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OPEN CHANNEL TRANSITIONS: RATIONAL METHOD

OF DESIGN
By Nandana Vittal 1 and V. V. Chiranjeevi 2
ABSTRACT: Existing methods for the design of an open channel transition be-
tween a rectangular flume and a trapezoidal channel for subcritical flow have
been critically examined. Arising out of some fundamental considerations, a
suggestion has been offered to make Hinds transition design a direct method.
The problem of flow through open channel transitions has been viewed basi-
cally from the fluid mechanics point of view and suitable functions for the
boundaries of transition (namely bed width, bed elevation, and side slope) have
been identified partly analytically and partly experimentally. Based on these
results, a new and rational method of design is suggested.
INTRODUCTION
In engineering practice, it is often necessary to connect a channel of

rectangular cross section (the flume) to a channel of trapezoidal cross
section (the channel) or vice versa. The connecting section providing the
gradual cross-sectional change is known as the transition. The design
of transition calls for minimal hydraulic losses in the transition.
For gradual transitions carrying subcritical flow, the hydraulic design
comprises two parts: (1) Prediction of flow conditions at sections f-f, b-
b, and a-a (Fig. 1) for the given size and bed elevation of the flume and
flow condition at the exit section c-c; and (2) determination of boundary
shape and flow conditions within the transition. Vittal (9) has recently
presented a simple and direct solution to part (1) for various combina-
tions of channel and flume cross-sectional shapes. Though this solution
was originally proposed for contracting transitions, it can be used for
expanding transitions as well, with due consideration for transition
losses. The present paper deals with part (2) for an expanding transition
from a rectangular flume to trapezoidal channel.
SOME BASIC CONSIDERATIONS
For a given set of entrance conditions, the flow conditions within the
expansion transition (namely the water surface elevation, the average
'Reader in Civ. Engrg., University of Roorkee, Roorkee, India.
^r. Engr., Godavari Barrage Project, Dowlaiswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Note.—Discussion open until June 1, 1983. To extend the closing date one
month, a written request must be filed with the ASCE Manager of Technical and
Professional Publications. The manuscript for this paper was submitted for re-
view and possible publication on July 8, 1980. This paper is part of the Journal
of Hydraulic Engineering, Vol. 109, No. 1, January, 1983. ©ASCE, ISSN 0733-
9429/83/0001-0099/$01.00. Proc. No. 17614.
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J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

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APPROACH i CONTRACTING FLUME EXPANDING

CHANNEL * TRANSITION TRANSITION
TOP VIEW
,WATER SURFACE
I I i _ I
•77T
* * ^BED E LE
! VAT ION
SECTIONAL VIEW
FIG. 1.—Definition Sketch

flow velocity at different sections, and the consequent energy loss) are
governed by the following boundary parameters:
B = /i(x); AZ = f2(x); m = f3(x) (1)
in which B = bed width of the transition; AZ = depression in the tran-
sition bed; and m = reciprocal of the side slope of the transition wall at
a section x from the beginning of the transition (see Fig. 1). The rela-
tionship between the elevation of the water surface and the flow velocity
is given by the continuity equation
Q = (B + my)yV (2)
in which V and y = flow velocity and flow depth, respectively. The re-
lationship between the energy loss, the flow depth, and the flow veloc-
ity may be obtained by writing Bernoulli's equation between sections i
and i + 1 (see Fig. 1) choosing the bottom of the flume as the datum
-AZ,- + (AZ,. + yf + Ay;) + -£ = -AZ ( + 1 + (AZ,+1 + yf + Ay,.+])
+
- +
"Li,i+1 (3)
2g
Here yf = depth flow in the flume. In writing the previous equation, the
bottom depression AZ is considered to be positive if measured down-
ward from the flume bed and the surface elevation increment Ay is con-
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J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

sidered to be positive if the water surface in the transition is higher than
the water surface in the flume. Noting that the quantities in the brackets
are the depths of flow at the corresponding section, the above equation
may be expressed as
E;+i = E; + AZ,-(+1 ~ "u;+i (4)
in which AZ,,,+1 = AZ,+1 - AZ, and £ is the specific energy given by
V2
E= + (5)
y Tg
After the geometric shape of the transition (Eq. 1) is selected and the
flow condition at the entrance to the transition (or the entrance of a
subreach) is given, the flow condition, i.e., the flow depth and velocity,
at the exit of the transition or the subreach can be evaluated by solving
Eqs. 2 and 3 simultaneously.
Since Eqs. 2 and 3 together contain three unknowns, namely y, V and
hL, an equation for energy loss is required in addition. Among many
proposals, Hinds (3) proposed
(Vi2 - Vi + l2)
hu,m = KH'- '- = KHAhv (6)
2
g
Proper selection of the geometry of the transition or the suitable deter-
mination of Eq. 1 that will give the least energy loss consistent with the
convenience of design and construction, gives the criterion of a good
transition design.
PRESENT METHODS OF TRANSITION DESIGN
At present three methods are available for the design of transitions;

these are due to Julian Hinds (3), A. C. Mitra (6) and R. S. Chaturvedi
(1). What follows is a brief outline of each.
Hinds' Method.—The method starts by assuming a water surface pro-
file, Ay = /4(x) in the transition as a compound curve made up of two
reverse parabolas with an inflexion point in the middle and merging
tangentially with the water surface in the flume and channel at either
end. The equation of the parabolae is
Ay = Qx 2 (7)
Here x is measured forward from section f-f for the first parabola and
backward from section c-c for the second parabola (see Fig. 1). The
method also adopts a linear rise or drop of the bed with x.
AZ = C2 x (8)
Q and C2 in Eqs. 7 and 8 are constants. Equations 7 and 8 together
determine the depth of flow at any section of the transition. The tran-
sition is then divided into N subreaches by cross sections 1-1, 2-2 etc.
(see Fig. 1) and an arbitrary set of values for m, lying between zero and
m0, is assigned to the sections. Here m0 is the side slope of the exit chan-
nel. The loss in the total transition as well as between intermediate sec-
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J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

tions is then computed according to Eq. 6. Evaluation of hL from Eq. 6
requires knowledge of A/zc which can be made an explicit function of
water surface elevation by substituting Eq. 6 into Eq. 4 and simplifying,
that leads to
LK = A y ' + 1 " Ay '' (9)

w
1 - KH
The head loss in the i, i + 1 subreach therefore is also a simple function

of the water surface elevation
fcUM"^(Aym"Ay,) do)
Lh,+1 K
(1 ~KH) '
Substituting this equation in Eq. 3 will give the flow velocity. After the
flow velocity is obtained, one can calculate the bed width at the subreach
of the transition from Eq. 2. The method is to begin calculations for the
first subreach and then progress in the downstream direction. If the re-
sulting bed width profile is not smooth and continuous, the calculations
are repeated with a new set of modified values for m and the procedure
continued until the aim is achieved.
Based on the foregoing description, the following observations may
be made on Hinds method:
1. The method involves a trial that can be easily avoided if the selec-
tion of m values is somewhat guided. Since water surface and bed ele-
vation functions adopted in this method (Eqs. 7 and 8) are already con-
tinuous and smooth, the bed widths obtained by this method at various
sections will automatically give a smooth bed line in the first attempt
itself provided the values of m assigned to the various sections follow
a smooth and continuous function m = f3(x). A few such functions for
the variation of m along x are shown in Fig. 2. Their corresponding
equations are subsequently listed:
^ (ID
1/2
i
m x\\
(12)
s;-U
m ( x\
<13)
5T'-K)
m (x\
(I4)
*,= \l)
tfl l X\ X
— = 0.5 - 2 0.5 - - for - = 0 to 0.50
m„ \ L L
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J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

LEGEND
a MODEL rm0= 1-50

A MODEL m0= 0-75
' ' '
0-1 0-2 0-3 CK 0-5 0'6 0-7 0-8 0-9
X/L —
FIG. 2.—Dimensionless Side Slope Profiles
= 0.5 + 21 - - 0.5 for - = 0.5 to 1.0 (16)

L
m _ Ix \
tor - = 0 to 0.5
1/2
= 1 - 0.5 1 - for - = 0.5 to 1.0 (17)
m = 0 . 5 - 0.25-i „ , for - = 0 to 0.5

r
m„ \ 21/
= 0.5+I--0.25 for - = 0.5 t o 1.0 (18)
™=2 * for - = 0 to 0.5

m„ \L
=1-2 l-: for - = 0.5 to 1.0 (19)
x
m L
(20)
x\Brl x\ Br x
1- 1 - - M + -
LJ Bf L
LJ Bf L.
2. Even when a smooth and continuous bed width profile as previ-
ously outlined is finally achieved, it does not guarantee that separation
(and consequently high head loss) will not occur.
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J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

3. When Eq. 6 is applied to all the subreaches and the head losses are
summed up, one would get the total transition loss, HL, as
HL = 2hL = K H ^ " ^ (21)

2
8
which shows that the head loss in the transition is a function of the
entry and exit conditions only and is not affected by the actual geometry
of the transition. This corollary from Hinds transition loss equation is
illogical.
Mitra's Method.—Based on the premises of constant depth of flow,
i.e., i/ii = y, = ycl and linear variation of flow velocity along the transition,
Mitra (6) derived the following hyperbolic bed-line equation for the com-
bination of rectangular flume and rectangular channel:
B= -1 N . (22)
{
LBC-(BC-Bf)x '
in which Bf and Bc = the bed widths of flume and channel respectively;
and L = length of transition which he arbitrarily assumed as 4b where
b = (Bc - Bf)/2. Although the analysis was originally meant for the rec-
tangular-rectangular transition, some institutions in India also apply Eq.
22 to determine the water line in a rectangular-trapezoidal combination
in the form of
B, = hM (23)
y
LBa-{Bct-Bf)x '
in which Bt = water surface width in the transition; and Bct = water
surface width in the exit channel.
Chaturvedi's Method.—Chaturvedi also dealt with the combination
of rectangular flume and rectangular channel. Using the same premises
as those in Mitra's method, he gave a general treatment on a mathe-
matical basis, treating the case as a two dimensional flow. Based on ex-
periments, he finally recommended the following equation for the tran-
sition profile which is a cubic parabola:
X
1 - (\B)BA
L
1 - m*
VB„,
(24)
He adopted the length of transition as 5b.

In the methods of Mitra and Chaturvedi both, the flume bed has to
be lowered below the channel bed to achieve the constant depth. This
is not always practical. For example, at cross drainage structures of ir-
rigation and power channels, lowering of the flume reduces head room
for the drainage flood passing below the flume. With the adoption of
these designs the flume bed level may sometimes have to be lowered
below the high flood level of the drainage and as a consequence the
cross drainage structure, which otherwise can be an aqueduct, may re-
sult in a more expensive syphon aqueduct.
104
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

SOME RATIONAL PROPOSAL OF PRESENT STUDY
In a free surface flow design problem, it is usually desirable to choose

suitable boundaries first and evolve the resulting water surface after-
ward, rather than first assuming a free water surface and then evolving
the causing boundaries as done in Hinds method. Adopting the more
conventional route, it is proposed to identify the proper boundary func-
tions (Eq. 1) as subsequently detailed.

Bed Width Profile [B = /j(;t)].—Taking a clue from the streamlined
body evolved from the wake behind a cylinder, it is proposed that the
best bed width profile may be the separation stream line near the bed
in a sudden expansion flow from a rectangular to a trapezoidal channel.
While the study of a sudden expansion flow from a rectangular to a
trapezoidal channel has not been evident in published literature, the
sudden expansion flow from a rectangular flume to a rectangular chan-
nel has been studied by Lebedev and Isbash (5). They give the following
equation for the separation line, which was assumed to be identical for
different horizontal planes:
with a value of 0.5 for the exponent n. However, from plotting the ve-
locity contours at the end of a sudden expansion, Rama Murty and Rao
(8) concluded that the separation line at different horizontal elevations
are different. Garde, Ranga Raju, and Mishra (2) based on their experi-
mental study concluded that the average length of eddy in the sudden
expansion is approximately equal to 7.5b and confirmed Lebedev's form
of Eq. 25 for the bottom separation stream line but with a value of 0.6
for the exponent. They too found that the separation lines at different
levels are different.
Laboratory Investigation.—To identify the profile of the separation
stream line and the eddy length at different levels, the writers conducted
experiments on three sudden expansion channel models, one from rec-
tangular to rectangular section and two from rectangular to trapezoidal
section of m0 = 0.75 and m0 = 1.5. The expansion ratio BJBf was 2.0.
The flow in all the three models was noticed to be unsymmetrical and
was more pronounced in trapezoidal models. The assymmetry, how-
ever, continued to remain on the same side in any particular run of the
experiment and the eddy was shorter on that side. In this investigation,
it was held to the same side throughout the experiments. Velocity fields
after the expansion were extensively surveyed. The separation stream
lines near the bed, free surface, and at mid depth on the shorter eddy
side were evaluated by graphical integration of velocity profiles, consid-
ering a 5 mm layer of flow at each level and neglecting vertical transfer
of flow as it proceeds forward. In line with the investigations in the past,
the middle separation line clearly indicated that the separation surface
is concave. For the case of the sudden expansion from rectangular to
rectangular section, the axial length of eddy at the top has been found
to be slightly shorter than that at the bottom. But in the other two
models, it was much longer since the top separation line has to travel
105
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

farther to re-attach itself on the channel side which is sloping away. The
separation stream-line profiles at the three levels for all three models
have been found to conform to Lebedev's form of Eq. 14 but with dif-
ferent values of n.
Since a concave-inward transition surface is not a practical one from the
design and construction point of view, it has been decided to adopt only
the bottom and top separation lines evolved experimentally and join
them in each cross section by a straight line. The bottom separation lines
for all three models could be approximated with a mean line shown in
Fig. 3 whose axial length Lb is about 5.17b and the profile is given by the
following equation:
B-B, 1 .
= 1 - 1 - (26)
B,-B, -•b L
Similarly, the top separation lines for the three models could also be
approximated with a mean line shown in Fig. 4 but terminating at dif-
ferent lengths along it for different values of m0. The following equations
for the axial length L, and the profile of the top separation line have
been obtained by fitting the experimental data:
L, = 4.70b + 1.65 m0yc (27)
Bt-Bf
1 - 1 - (28)
Bc-Bf+ 2m0yc Lt |_ Lt
Modified Bed Line.—As surmised previously, if the bed and water
lines of a gradual transition have to follow the bottom and top separa-
tion lines of the corresponding sudden expansion, they will terminate
at different sections, XX and YY, thus resulting in the transition surface
EFG shown in solid lines in Fig. 5. It will have a compound side slope
between sections XX and YY that makes the design computations more
involved. On the other hand if Lh is made equal to L, and the bed line
profile EG is suitably modified, the resulting transition surface EFH will
be simpler for the design. Also since the surface EFH projects into the
central forward flow, the possibilities of flow, separation (if any) are fur-
ther minimized. Further, since Point G is at the bed level of channel,
the surface area EFH will be appreciably less than the area (EFG + GFH
-CENTRE LINE OF MODEL

0-2 /03 0-4 0'5 0-6 02 08 09 , 1-0 m
" T
- • ~r - T
LEGEND
D M O D E L m 0 - 1-50
A " m0 0-75
O M
nl0 0^00 0-30 m 7
FIG. 3.—Bottom Separation Line: Mean Line

106
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

r~-r
— _
1 1 -| 1 1 1 r T ~ T _ T
*- CENTRE LINE OF MODEL
FOR LEGEND
0'30rn'
a SEE FIGURE- U
t
0-30m
<J^ MODEL m„ =0 00 |
S MODEL m o =0-75 T^
i
1 i MOOEL m 0 . |.50 i
I. L
t
i
FIG. 4.—Top Separation Line: Mean Line
+ HEG) and thus the cost of concrete lining for the transition is less. In
light of the above, Lb was made equal to Lt for the cases of models with
m0 = 0.75 and 1.5 and modified smooth bed lines, similar in shape to
those obtained experimentally, were drawn as shown in dashes in Fig.
5. Adopting Lebedev's form of equation, the coordinates of the modified
bed line have been used in a log-log plot of
vs. (29)
Bc - Bf \x. -I
to evaluate the exponent. The following relation between the exponent
of the modified bed line profile, nb and the side slope of the channel tn0
has been obtained:
nh = 0.80 - 0.26 m01/: (30)
CENTRE LINE OF MODEL
MODIFIED BED LINE.nb=0-«8

.__ I^BOTTOM SEPARATfON STREAM LINE,
' ~~ _ _ _ n =0'8 .
JG """---- 1H
MODEL m o =l-50
FIG. 5.—Modified Bed Line
107
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

FLUME
CHANNEL
SPECIFIC ENERGY, E
FIG. 6.—Specific Energy Diagram
Thus, Eqs. 30, 27, and 25, after noting that Lb = Lt = L, determine the
bed line EH. Eqs. 27 and 28 determine the water line EF, and together
EH and EF automatically determine the side slope variation. The side
slopes thus obtained from the two models are shown as data points in
Fig. 2. The design can be accomplished with either the bed line-side
slope profiles combination or the bed line-water line profiles combination.
Bed Elevation Profile [AZ = f2(x)].—The flume bed may be raised or
lowered with respect to the normal channel bed according to practical
and design requirements. Considering here the design requirement, Fig.
6 shows the specific energy vs. depth curves A and B of the flume and
channel, respectively, for the given flume channel dimensions and dis-
charge. Point P represents the flow condition in the exit channel which
is the downstream control (in subcritical flow) for the flow in the tran-
sition. For the given location of P on curve B, the location of Q on curve
A depends upon the relative levels of flume and channel beds. The path
joining P and Q is determined by the type of transition design (Eq. 1).
For instance, overlooking transition loss for the moment, PQj is hori-
zontal for the constant depth designs of Mitra (6) and Chaturvedi (1)
with the attendant need to lower the flume below the channel by AZ0
= AC = Ef — Ec (see Fig. 6) while PQ 2 is vertical for a constant specific
energy design with AZ0 = AE = 0, i.e., the flume and channel beds are
at the same level. Any other path PQ 3 will result in a variable depth-
variable specific energy design.
In the constant depth design, AZ = f2(x) becomes one of the un-
knowns and has to be solved for, using Eqs. 2 and 4. It will result in
a curvilinear bed elevation profile. The variable depth-variable specific
energy design is a general case in which AZ0 can be positive or negative
108
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

and a suitable value may be assigned to it by practical and other con-
siderations. Having assigned a particular value to AZD, the linear bed
elevation profile given by Eq. 8 (as in Hinds method) may be adopted
because AZ„ in practice is usually small compared to the length of tran-
sition and nothing much will be gained by adopting any curved vari-
ation for the bed elevation.
Side Slope Variation [m = f3(x)].—A few curves for side slope vari-
ation along the length of transition were shown in Fig. 2 to choose any
one of them as a means of eliminating the trial procedure inherent in
Hinds' method. It is now proposed to identify the best one out of them
that gives the least computed transition loss. A numerical example of
the prototype transition of Gomti aqueduct on Sarda Sahayak Feeder
Channel in Uttar Pradesh, India (4) with the following data has been
chosen for the purpose:
Discharge, Q = 357 m 3 /s Reciprocal of channel slope,

tn0 = 2.0
Bed width of channel, Bc = 23.0 m Bed width of flume, Bf = 12.8 m
Depth of flow in the channel, Length of transition, L = 30 m
yc = 67 m
The transition was divided into 15 subreaches of 2 m each. Equation 25
with 0.6 as exponent was adopted for the bed line. All the ten side slope
functions shown in Fig. 2 have been included in the computational pro-
gram. From them, the tenth one was derived from Mitra's method com-
bining Eqs. 22 and 23.
For conducting these computations, suitable transition loss equation
is needed. As demonstrated earlier in this paper, Hinds' head loss equa-
tion, though based on field data and believed to give a good estimate
of transition loss, is at least not suitable for comparing different transi-
tion geometries, but only ones with the same entering and exiting ve-
locities. To avoid this deficiency, the Carnot equation for evaluating
head losses was used in the computations:
K
«m+i - c 7, (31)
2
8
in which Kc = the Carnot loss coefficient.
In engineering practice, the Carnot equation has been hitherto used
for computing HL considering entire transition as a single reach, and
values of Kc in the literature are based on such use. In order to apply
this equation for subreaches, a suitable value of Kc has to be adopted.
In fact, the relation between Carnot coefficient, KcT, as applicable to the
whole transition and KcR for subreaches, depends upon the nature of
variation of flow velocity along the transition. For instance, assuming
a linear variation of velocity from Vf to Vc and equating total transition
loss obtained by summation of losses in the subreaches to that by con-
sidering the transition as a single reach, one can get
Hl,mum,mJlL^£,^J^Il (32)
109
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

TABLE 1.—Total Transition Loss
Total Transition Loss, in Meters
Side slope profile Constant Constant Varying
equation number (Fig. 2) depth specific energy specific energy
(1) (2) (3) (4)
11 0.2257 0.4490 0.3195
12 0.4607 1.0382 0.7784

13 0.3068 0.6688 0.4728
14 0.2309 0.4092 0.3105
15 0.1829 0.3845 0.2807
16 0.2851 0.5981 0.4370
17 0.3184 0.7298 0.6462
18 0.2653 0.4745 0.3481
19 0.2519 0.4695 0.3351
20 0.2396 0.3973 0.3060
But V{-VM = W=K ^ c>

(33)
Combining Eqs. 32 and 33,

(AV)2 (N-AV)2
HL = NK±—t = KcTK ' or KcR = NKcT (34)
But the assumption of linear variation of velocity on which Eq. 34 is

based, is not born out of facts. However, since the main aim of the pres-
ent computations is to obtain the relative efficacy of the various side
slope curves, any reasonable value for KcR should serve the purpose as
long as the same value is used for all the curves. A value of 8.5 was
used in the computations.
The computations were made for three schemes: namely, constant
depth (PQi), constant specific energy (PQ2) and varying depth-varying
specific energy (PQ3) with the same controlling flow conditions in the
exit channel represented by P in Fig. 6. In the varying specific energy
scheme, a value of 0.375 m for Ef - Ec was arbitrarily adopted and in
between a linear variation of specific energy was assumed. In each
scheme and for each case of the side slope variation, flow velocity and
depth at each section were solved for. In the constant depth scheme,
the velocity was directly computed from Eq. 2. In the other two
schemes, knowing the specific energy at the section, the velocity and
the depth were evaluated by simultaneous solution of Eqs. 2 and 4. The
head loss in each subreach was then computed from Eq. 31 and summed
up to get the total transition loss shown in Table 1.
Table 1 clearly indicates that side slope profiles 14, 15, and 20 (all con-
cave upward in Fig. 2) are better than others. This seems logical since
the side slope in these cases varies gradually in the initial length of tran-
sition where the velocities are higher and it varies rather fast in the latter
length where the velocities are already reduced.
PROPOSED METHOD OF DESIGN
As a result of the foregoing study, the following boundary functions
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J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

describing the geometric shape of the transition have been identified.
Bed line profile, fa.
B-Bf _x
1-ll-f n„ = 0.80 - 0.26 m]'2 (35)
Bc-Bf L
Bed elevation profile, fa.
AZD AZ„
AZ = ~ x ; AZ, i+1 = -jf(X,+1 -x,) (36)
Side slope variation profile, fa

I \1/2
— l-M) (37)
m0 \ h)
Regarding the transition loss equation, it may be recalled that Hinds'
equation was demonstrated to give same head loss for all transition
shapes as long as the entrance and exit flow velocities remain the same.
However, since the transition shape has already been identified as above
and thus no such comparison of transition shapes will be involved in
the actual design, it is proposed to adopt Hinds' transition loss equation
because of its merits otherwise. A value of 0.3 will be adopted for KH.
(V2 - V2)
f
HL = V 26
(38)
g
(V2 - V2 )
Vm = V ' 2g'+1> (39)
Using the foregoing results, it has been possible to develop a new and
rational method of design. The proposed method of design is universal
in that it is applicable to all the three schemes, i.e., variable depth-vari-
able specific energy, constant specific energy, and constant depth. The
bed line profile, f\ and the side slope profile, / 3 will be common to all
the three schemes. But the individual requirement of each scheme (pre-
determined bed elevation or flow depth in the flume in the first scheme,
constant specific energy in the second, and constant flow depth in the
third) will be met by rise or drop of bed and its profile. The procedure
of computations in each scheme is briefly outlined below.
In the first scheme, for predetermined AZ0, flow depth yf in the flume
is determined knowing Ef computed as Ec - AZ0 + HL. Adopting the
linear bed elevation profile fa specific energy at successive sections of
the transition is computed from Ei+1 = E, + AZ, ,+1 - hLii+1 and the depth
3/1+1 is then determined for the known Ei+1. On the other hand, for pre-
determined yf, required rise or drop of flume bed is computed from AZ0
= Ec — Ef + HL and the previous procedure adopted for the determi-
nation of depths at various sections.
In the second scheme, the specific energy at every section should be
same and thus is known, i.e., E, = Ec and the flow depth at each section
can then be determined for the known value of E. The bed has to be
lowered at successive sections just enough to provide for the transition
loss, i.e., AZ,,+1 = hui+1 and AZ0 = HL, so that the constant specific
energy is maintained throughout.
111
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

Lastly in the constant depth scheme, the flow velocity and therefore
the specific energy at every section and the transition loss in each sub-
reach are readily computed. The bed elevation required to maintain the
constant depth consistent with transition loss is computed from
AZi+1 = E,- E,+1 - Viw+1 (40)
It may be noted from the above procedure of computations that the
variable depth-variable specific energy and constant specific energy

schemes involve determination of depth and velocity at each section,
knowing the specific energy at that section. Vittal's (9) direct solution
for this problem may be used expeditiously.
NUMERICAL EXAMPLE
It is proposed to demonstrate the procedure of the new design

through a numerical example. The data of Gomti aqueduct, given in the
earlier section, is adopted in this example also.
Variable Depth-Variable Specific Energy Scheme

Predetermined Flume Bed Level
Data known Q = 357 m 3 /s AZ0 = 0.5 m (flume bed higher)
Bc = 23.0 m Bf= 15.0 m
yc = 6.7 m m0 = 2.0
Vc = 1.464 m/s Ec = 6.809 m
Step 1: Since AZ0 is predetermined, calculate yf from
E =y + = Ec AZo + HL (41)
' ' ^R ~
HL = KH&L^ (42)
Here HL on the right hand side of Eq. 41 needs prior knowledge of yf

for its estimation. It is suggested that HL may be dropped from Eq. 41
in the first instance and yf computed as a first approximation taking Ef
= Ec - AZ„ = 6.809 - 0.50 « 6.309 m. Using Vittal's solution (9) for
rectangular channel section, yf ~ 5.266 m. This approximate value of yf
is used to compute Vf and thus HL for inclusion in Eq. 41 for revising
yf. Since the term HL overlooked in the first attempt is the total transition
loss which is a significant quantity, a second revision will be required.
Final value of y< = 5.610 m.
Step 2: Calculate the length of transition as
r An, •, ,r 4.7(23.0 - 15.0)
L = 4.7b + 1.65 m0yc = —
oi,c
(2)
+ 1.65 X 2.0 X 6.7 = 40.91 (say 41 m) , (43)
112
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

Divide the transition into nine subreaches of 4.0 m each, leaving 5.0
m for the tenth subreach at the end.
Step 3: Calculate bed width, B, at all the sections using the following
two equations
B-Bf _x
1 - 1 - (44)
Bc-Bf~L
nb = 0.80 - 0.26 m]'[ (45)

Considering for instance section 5-5 at x = 20 m, B5 = 15.980 m.
Step 4: Calculate side slope at the various sections from
l/2-|
m 0.569 (46)
1 1- m=
tn„
Step 5: Calculate the d r o p in b e d at different sections.
AZ„ AZ 0
AZ = — • x; AZ, /i+1 = T-j- (xi+1 - x,)
AZS = — • 20 = 0.245 m; AZ44 s5 = -±- (20 - 16) = 0.049 m (47)

41 - 41
Step 6: Calculate the d e p t h at each section from the specific energy

relation applied to successive sections as
Q2
E;+i~~ y.+i + = E{ + A Z , . m - hLiM (48)
2g{B + myi+l)2y2M
(V2 ~ V?+1)
where hw+1 = KH (49)
*8
Here also as in Step 1, hL on the right h a n d side of Eq. 8 has to be
dropped in the first instance a n d the approximate value of y, +1 deter-
mined using Vittal's solution (9) for trapezoidal channel section. The
calculation is revised to include the h e a d loss term. A second revision
will not be required here.
From the preceding computation at 4-4
y4 = 6.157 m z>4 = 3.169 m / s E 4 = 6.669 m
2
Q
E5 = yy 5s + ——— " , « E4 + A Z 4 5 = 6.718 m
2g{B5 + m5y5fyl
y5 * 6.258 m v5 » 2.925 m / s hlii5 « 0.023 m
N o w E5 = E4 + AZ 4 5 - h4iS = 6.695 m. Revised value of y5 = 6.249 m.
Constant Specific Energy Scheme

2
Q •• '
E5 y5 + = E„ = 6.809 m
- 2g(B5 + m5y5fyl
y5 = 6.408 m v5 = 2.839 m / s
113
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

From the preceding computation at 4-4
y4 = 6.327 m z>4 = 3.072 m / s
AZ4/5 = frL4/5 = 0.021 m AZ5 = 2 fcL = 0.117 m
Constant Depth Scheme

y5 = y c = 6 . 7 m y 5 = 2.692 m/s E5 = 7.069 m

From the preceding computations
y, = yc = 6.7 m y4 = yc = 6.7 m
Vf = 3.552 m/s V4 = 2.875 m/s
Ef = 7.343 m E4 = 7.121 m
hL4i5 = 0.016 m
XhL = 0.082 m
AZ5 = Ef- E5- lhL = 7.343 - 7.069 - 0.082 = 0.192 m
Table 2 shows the results of the computations of all the schemes.
DESIGN OF CONTRACTING TRANSITION
Because the flow in the contracting transition, connecting the ap-

proach channel to the flume, (see Fig. 1) is an accelerating flow, any
transition shape that is merely smooth and continuous should serve the
purpose. However, the transition shape, developed previously for the
expansion, should also be welcome for the contraction but the length
of contracting transition can be considerably smaller than that computed
from Eq. 43. After deciding the length of transition, the computation of
bed width, side slope, and bed elevation can be made, using Eqs. 44,
TABLE 2.—-Results of design Computations, in Meters

Variable Depth-
Variable Spe- Constant Spe-
cific Energy cific Energy Constant Depth
Scheme Scheme Scheme
Section X B m +AZ y -AZ y -AZ y
(D (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
/-/ 0.0 15.000 0.000 0.000 5.642 0.000 6.006 0.000 6.700
1-1 4.0 15.034 0.100 0.049 5.786 0.025 6.088 0.039 6.700
2-2 8.0 15.140 0.206 0.098 5.921 0.050 6.173 0.079 6.700
3-3 12.0 15.325 0.318 0.147 6.043 0.074 6.255 0.118 6.700
4-4 16.0 15.601 0.438 0.196 6.157 0.096 6.327 0.156 6.700
5-5 20.0 15.890 0.569 0.245 6.249 0.117 6.408 0.192 6.700
6-6 24.0 16.482 0.712 0.294 6.358 0.135 6.463 0.226 6.700
7-7 28.0 17.138 0,874 0.343 6.438 0.152 6.517 0.258 6.700
8-8 32.0 18.002 1.063 0.392 6.516 0.168 6.572 0.290 6.700
9-9 36.0 19.196 1.302 0.441 6.597 0.183 6.613 0.320 6.700
c-c 41.0 23.000 2.000 0.500 6.700 0.203 6.70 0.374 6.700
114
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

45, 46, and 47 but measuring x in the upstream direction, i.e., from sec-
tion b-b to section a-a (see Fig. 1). Accordingly Eqs. 41 and 48 should be
modified as
E,= Ec - AZ0 - HL .., (50)
and £,-+i = £,• + AZ,. (+1 + hLU+1 (51)
A value of 0.2 may be used for KH in the design of contracting transition.
CONCLUSIONS
The paper presents a critical examination of the methods available at

present for the design of open channel transitions carrying subcritical
flow. Based on a rational approach to the problem, suitable boundary
functions describing the geometric shape of the transition have been
evolved and a new method of design has been suggested and demon-
strated through a practical example.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The writers thank Mr. M. E. Akbari, a graduate student at the Uni-

versity of Roorkee, Roorkee, for his help in some computations in the
paper. Thanks are also due to Dr. G. Tsang, National Water Research
Institute, Canada Center for Inland Waters, Ontario for going through
the manuscript.
APPENDIX.—-REFERENCES
1. Chaturvedi, R. S., "Expansive Subcritical Flow in Open Channel Transitions,"

Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Civil Engineering Division, Vol. 43, India,
May, 1963.
2. Garde, R. J., Ranga Raju, K. G., and Mishra, R. C , "Subcritical Flow in Open
Channel Expansions," Journal of Irrigation and Power, Central Board of Irriga-
tion and Power, India, Vol. 36, No. 1, Jan., 1979.
3. Hinds, J., "The Hydraulic Design of Flume and Syphon Transition," Trans-
actions, ASCE, Vol. 92, 1928.
4. "Hydraulic Design of Transition of Sarda Sahayak Feeder Channel at Gomti
Aqueduct: A Model Study," Technical Memorandum No. 45, RR(H3-IC), 1974.
5. Isbash, S. V. and Lebedev, I. V., "Change of Natural Streams during Con-
struction of Hydraulic Structures," Proceedings, Ninth Congress of IAHR,
Dubrovinik, India, Sept., 1961.
6. Mitra, A. C, and Uttar Pradesh, P. W. D., Irrigation Manual No. 9, 1940.
7. Rama Chiranjeevi, V. V., A Rational Method of Design of Open Channel
Transitions, M. E. thesis, Water Resources Development and Training Centre,
University of Roorkee, Roorkee, India, 1980.
8. Rama Murthy, A. S., Basak, S., and Rama Rao, P., Open Channel Expansions
Fitted with Local Hump, Journal of Hydraulics Division, ASCE, Vol. 96, May,
1970.
9. Vittal, Nandana, "Direct Solution to Problems of Open Channel Transitions,"
Journal of Hydraulics Division, ASCE, Vol. 104, Nov., 1978.
115
J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

Open Channel Transitions Rational Method

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OPEN CHANNEL TRANSITIONS: RATIONAL METHOD

By Nandana Vittal 1 and V. V. Chiranjeevi 2

In engineering practice, it is often necessary to connect a channel of

SOME BASIC CONSIDERATIONS

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

APPROACH i CONTRACTING FLUME EXPANDING

FIG. 1.—Definition Sketch

-AZ,- + (AZ,. + yf + Ay;) + -£ = -AZ ( + 1 + (AZ,+1 + yf + Ay,.+])

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

PRESENT METHODS OF TRANSITION DESIGN

At present three methods are available for the design of transitions;

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

LK = A y ' + 1 " Ay '' (9)

The head loss in the i, i + 1 subreach therefore is also a simple function

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

a MODEL rm0= 1-50

FIG. 2.—Dimensionless Side Slope Profiles

= 0.5 + 21 - - 0.5 for - = 0.5 to 1.0 (16)

m = 0 . 5 - 0.25-i „ , for - = 0 to 0.5

= 0.5+I--0.25 for - = 0.5 t o 1.0 (18)

™=2 * for - = 0 to 0.5

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

HL = 2hL = K H ^ " ^ (21)

He adopted the length of transition as 5b.

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

In a free surface flow design problem, it is usually desirable to choose

tions (Eq. 1) as subsequently detailed.

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

-CENTRE LINE OF MODEL

FIG. 3.—Bottom Separation Line: Mean Line

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

CENTRE LINE OF MODEL

MODIFIED BED LINE.nb=0-«8

FIG. 5.—Modified Bed Line

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

FIG. 6.—Specific Energy Diagram

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

Discharge, Q = 357 m 3 /s Reciprocal of channel slope,

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

12 0.4607 1.0382 0.7784

But V{-VM = W=K ^ c>

Combining Eqs. 32 and 33,

But the assumption of linear variation of velocity on which Eq. 34 is

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

Side slope variation profile, fa

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

variable depth-variable specific energy and constant specific energy

It is proposed to demonstrate the procedure of the new design

Variable Depth-Variable Specific Energy Scheme

Step 1: Since AZ0 is predetermined, calculate yf from

Here HL on the right hand side of Eq. 41 needs prior knowledge of yf

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

nb = 0.80 - 0.26 m]'[ (45)

AZS = — • 20 = 0.245 m; AZ44 s5 = -±- (20 - 16) = 0.049 m (47)

Step 6: Calculate the d e p t h at each section from the specific energy

Constant Specific Energy Scheme

J. Hydraul. Eng. 1983.109:99-115.

Constant Depth Scheme

y5 = y c = 6 . 7 m y 5 = 2.692 m/s E5 = 7.069 m

DESIGN OF CONTRACTING TRANSITION

Because the flow in the contracting transition, connecting the ap-

TABLE 2.—-Results of design Computations, in Meters