NAME ……………….

BRIAN NYIKA

REG NUMBER ………………. R169353U

LEVEL ………………. 3.1

LECTURE ………………. DR MADYIWA

PROGRAM ……………… HAE

AIM

Flow parameters

OBJECTIVE
Open channel flow parameters in trapezoidal channel of UZ Stream

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the suitability of trapezoidal cross-section with segment base in
drainage system design. The study has considered steady uniform open channel flow. The
saint-Venant partial differential equations of continuity and momentum governing free
surface flow in open channels have been solved using finite difference approximation
method. We investigate the effects of the channel radius, area of the cross section, the flow
depth and the manning coefficient on the flow velocity. The flow variables are velocity and
the flow depth while the flow parameters are cross section area of flow, channel radius,
slope of the channel and manning coefficient. The study has established that increase in
cross section area of flow leads to a decrease in flow velocity. Further, increase in channel
radius and cross section area of flow leads to a decrease in flow velocity and increase in
roughness coefficient cause flow velocity to decrease. Additionally, increase in flow depth
increases velocity. The physical conditions of the flow channel have been applied to
conservation equations to arrive at specific governing equations. The results of the study
have been presented graphically.

MATERIALS

Equipment
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
Staff

Key determinants
• slope measurements
• hydraulic radius (Area/Wetted Perimeter )
• Suitable Manning’s roughness coefficient. n (Table)

Procedure:

 Select a straight part of the channel with roughly the same slope.
 Mark 3 points along the stretch where you will measure the height using a level
  For each point:

 Measure the slope. Take 3 readings (one each at centre point, upstream of
the point and downstream of the point) using a level. Determine the average
slope of the centre point)
 Measure the cross-sectional area and wetted perimeter. Determine the
cross-sectional area of the channel

Table 1: Manning's coefficients for natural streams

Channel characteristics n

Straight, clean, free of shoals and deep pools 0.030

Same as above with stones and weeds 0.035

Clean, winding with pools and shoals 0.040

Same as above with stones and weeds 0.045

Mountain stream with gravel, cobblers and few 0.040

boulders

Mountain stream with cobbles and large boulders 0.050

Results

Upper stadia Middle Lower stadia Angle ˚ Slope Distance

hair stadia hair hair (Upper – (Upper-
Middle ) Lower)*100
North 0.550 0.415 0.280 0.135 27.1m

Ref 0.790 0.695 0.579 32 0.095 21.1m

1 2.658 2.575 2.407 283 0.083 25.1m

2 2.226 2.142 2.060 310 0.084 16.6m

 3 3.045 2.962 2.862 246 0.083 18.3m

Height of instrument = .58m

Channel dimensions

Height to the level of water = 0.38m

Calculations

• Manning’s Q = AV = AR2/3S1/2 = A (A/P)2/3S1/2

n n
Where:
 Q = discharge (m3/s)
 V = velocity of flow (m/s)
 A = Wetted area (m2)
 P = Wetted perimeter (m)
 R = Hydraulic radius = A/P (m)
 Hydraulic depth (D) = A/T (m)
 N = Manning’s coefficient (Table 1)

Side slope= = 1:1.93

Wetted Perimeter = .42*2+.4 = 1.24m

Wetted Area = 0.5(.4+.8)*0.38=0 .228m2
Hydraulic radius = A/P = .228/1.24= 0.184m

Channel slope = vertical/horizontal = (0.00498+.0045+.00453)/3

= .0045

= 1:200

n = 0 .035 since channel has got weeds and stones

Q = 1/0.035(.228)(.184^1.5)(0.005^0.5)

= 0.149m^3

V = (Q/A)=(.149)/(.228)

= 0.65m^2/s

Sources of error

 Residual collimation error- keeping the horizontal lengths of the backsights and
foresights at instrument position equal will cancel this error.
 Parallax error – focus the theodolite to infinity
 Staff graduation errors may result from wear and tear or repairs and the staffs should
be checkedagainst a steel tape.
 Zero error of the staff, caused by excessive wear of the base, will cancel out on
backsight and foresight differences. However, if two staffs are used, errors will result
unless calibrationcorrections are applied.
 In the case of the tripod, loose fixings will cause twisting and movement of the tripod
head.
 Overtight fixings make it difficult to open out the tripod correctly. Loose tripod shoes
will also result in unstable set-ups.

Discussion
Our velocity is low since we have a wider trapezoidal channel and from equations, the
velocity is reduced and there will be high pressure in the channel.Our trapezoidal open
channel calculation uses the most commonly used equation for analyzing rivers and
streams - the Manning equation. It is the equation beginning with Q=... above. The
Manning equation is best used for uniform steady state flows. Uniform means that the
cross-section geometry of the channel remains constant along the length of the
 channel, and steady state means that the velocity, discharge, and depth do not change
with time. Though these assumptions are rarely ever strictly achieved in rivers and
streams, the Manning equation is still used to model most rivers and streams where
conditions are relatively steady and for reaches (portions of rivers) that have a
reasonably constant cross-section for a long enough distance that the depth remains
fairly constant.

Conclusion

The treatment of flow in open channels has drawn heavily on the uses of flow equations such
as the Manning’s equations . The fundamental differences between full bore and free surface
flow conditions have been stressed, particularly the dependence of flow depth on both flow
rate and the channel properties, i.e. slope, roughness and cross-sectional shape. As our
channel width increases there will be low velocity.

References

Chaudhry, M. H. 1993. Open Channel Flow. Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Chow, V. T. 1959. Open Channel Hydraulics. McGraw-Hill, Inc. (the classic text)

French, R. H. 1985. Open Channel Hydraulics. McGraw-Hill Book Co.

Mays, L. W. editor. 1999. Hydraulic design handbook. McGraw-Hill Book C