OPEN CHANNEL HYDRAULICS

Lecturer:
Dr Prosper Mgaya

Description of Module contents

This sub-enabling outcome covers the following:

Introduction to open channel flow,

Uniform flow,
Energy and specific energy,
Momentum and specific force,
Channel roughness,
Channel design,
Gradually varied flow,
Rapidly varied flow,

Introduction to Open Channel

Hydraulics

Many procedures have been developed over the years for the
hydraulic design of open channel sections. The complexity of these
procedures vary according to flow conditions as well as the level of
assumption implied while developing the given equation.

The Chezy equation is one of the procedures that was developed by

a French engineer in 1768 (Henderson, 1966). The development of
this equation was based on the dimensional analysis of the friction
equation under the assumption that the condition of flow is uniform.

A more practical procedure was presented in 1889 by the Irish

engineer Robert Manning (Chow, 1959). The Manning equation has
proved to be very reliable in practice.

Introduction to open channel

hydraulics

Characteristic features of open channel flows

Free Surface
Hydraulic gradient is coincident with the free surface
Flow is exposed to atmospheric pressure
Flow driven by gravity or potential energy
(unlike pressure in pipes)

Introduction to open channel

hydraulics
Comparison of pipe and open channel flow
Pipe flow fills entire conduit => a
half
full pipe is open channel flow,
Pipe flow has pressure (above or
below
atmospheric); open channel flow is
always at atmospheric pressure
Open channel flow has a free
surface
Open channel flow is driven by
gravity
whereas closed conduit flow
responds to

Introduction to open channel

hydraulics
Classification of Open Channels
Classification of channels based on their occurrence
(a) Natural
(b) Artificial
(b)

Naturally occurring e.g. Rivers

Man made channels e.g. culverts, rainwater
drainage channels
(a)

Introduction to open channel

hydraulics
Classification of Open Channels
Classification of channels based on surface lining
(a) lined or non-erodible
(b) unlined, earthen, or erodible
Classification of channels based on geometry or shape
(a) Prismatic
The cross-section is uniform and the bed slope is constant
(mainly artificial channels).
(b) Non-Prismatic
The cross-section or the slope or both change.

Introduction to open channel

hydraulics
Common Shapes Used in Open Channel
Hydraulics used
The typical / common shapes are:

Rectangular

Trapezoidal

Triangular

Circular (Normally semi-circular)

Parabolic

Introduction to open channel

hydraulics
Geometric Properties of Different Common Shapes

Important Terms Used in Open

channel Hydraulics

Area of cross-section (A) is the area of the liquid surface cut when
a cross-section is taken normal to the direction of flow.

Depth of flow, (y) is the vertical distance between the lowest point of
the channel section and the free surface.

Depth of flow section, (d) is the depth of liquid at the section

measured normal to the direction of flow. For a channel with small
slope, the value of cos() will be approximately unity. Therefore, d y.

Important Terms Used in Open

channel Hydraulics contd

Wetted perimeter, P is the length of the line (or curve) of

intersection of the wetted surface with a plane normal to the
direction of flow. The free surface is not included
Hydraulic radius, R is the ratio of the area of cross-section to
the wetted perimeter (R = A/P).
Hydraulic depth (Hydraulic mean depth), D is the ratio of the
wetted area, A to the top width, T (D = A/T).
Bed slope, So is the bed slope of the channel.

Velocity Distribution in Open

Channel Flow
(a)Wide Channels

B y0
In channels with large aspect ratio
, as
for example in rivers and very large
canals,
the flow can be considered to be
essentially
The fully developed velocity
two dimensional.
distributions
are
similar to the logarithmic form of
velocityum defect
u
1
y
2.3
law
ln

log y

u*

y0

k (0.41)

10

u* shear velocity 0 gRS0

y0

Velocity Distribution in Open

Channel Flow
(b) Channels with Small Aspect Ratio
In channels which are not wide enough to
have two dimensional flow, the resistance
of the
sides will be significant to alter the twodimensional nature of the velocity
distribution
In such channels there is the
occurrence of velocity-dip, where
the maximum
velocity occurs not at the free
surface

B y0

Velocity Distribution in Open

Channel Flow

Typical velocity
B y0
distributions in rectangular
channels with
= 1.0

Velocity Distribution in Open

Channel Flow
B y0
Typical velocity distributions in rectangular channels
with
= 6.0

Velocity Distribution in Open Channel

Flow contd

Velocity
in Open
Normally inDistribution
open channel hydraulic
analysisChannel
the average
velocity
is used (Umean but it is normally denoted as u or v
Flow
contd
without subscript)

Umax

u
Typical velocity distribution

Umean

Idealized average velocity distribu

Classification of Open Channel

Flows
The classification achieved
based on how the flow
parameters such as
velocity, depth of flow
do change w.r.t
Unsteady

Flow

Steady

(i) Distance
(ii) Time

Uniform

Varied

Gradually

Rapidly

Uniform

Varied

Gradually

Rapidly

Classification of Open Channel

Flows contd
Steady flow
In an steady flow, the flow parameters such as velocity, depth and
v
other characteristics do not change with
time.
0
t

Unsteady flow
In an unsteady flow, the flow parameters such as velocity, depth and
v
other characteristics changewith
0 time.
t

Uniform
The flow is uniform flow , the flow parameters such as velocity, depth
v
and other characteristics areconstantw.r.t
distance.
0
x

Non-Uniform
The flow is non-uniform flow, the flow parameters such as velocity,
depth and other characteristics are not constantwrt
distance.
v
x

Basic Concept of Open Channel

Design

The design of channels should be capable of transporting

water between two locations in a safe, cost - effective manner.
Even though economics, safety, and aesthetics must always be
considered, in this unit thrust is given only to the hydraulic
aspects of channel design.

For that discussion is confined to the design of channels for

uniform flow. The two types of channels considered in this
module are
lined

or non-erodible; (Chezys and Mannings equations)

unlined,

earthen, or erodible. (such as Kennedy equation)

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Chezys Equation

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Chezys Equation contd

By definition there is no acceleration in uniform flow.

By applying the momentum equation to a control

volume
encompassing sections 1 and 2, distance L apart, as
(1)
shown above P1 W sin F f P2 M 2 M 1
M 1 and M 2 and
where P1 andP2
are the pressure forces
are
W
the momentum fluxes at section 1 and 2 respectively
=
Ff
weight of fluid in the control
volume and
= shear force at
the boundary. Since the flow is uniform

P1 P2

and

M 1 M 2 and W AL and

F f 0 PL

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Chezys Equation contd
where 0 = average shear stress on the wetted perimeter

S0
of length
and
= unit weight of water.
sin Replacing
by
(= bottom slope), Eq. (1) can be written as

ALS 0 0 PL

A
S 0 RS 0
P

V
Expressing the average shear stress
as
0
0

(2)

k where

= a coeff-icient which depends on the nature of the surface

and flow parameters, Eq. (2) is written
as
2

kV RS 0

Leading to

V C RS 0

(3)

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Mannings Formula
A resistance formula proposed by Robert Manning, an Irish engineer,
for uniform flow in open channels, is

1 23 12
V R S0
n

(4)

Where n = a roughness coefficient known as Mannings

This coefficient is essentially a function of the nature of
L1 3Tof
boundary surface. It may be noted that the dimensions
dimensions of are
Note: Equation (4) is popularly known as the Manning's
formula. Owing to its simplicity and acceptable degree of
accuracy in a variety of practical applications

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Mannings Formula
Comparing Eq. (3) with the Chezy formula, Eq. (4), we
have

1 16
C R
n

(5)

The coefficient C is normally estimated using the Runge Kutta Formu

1 0.00155
23
n
S0
C

0.00155 n
1 23

S
0

Example 1
open channel of width = 3m as shown, bed slope =
1:5000, d=1.5m find the flow rate using Manning
equation, n=0.025.
1 2
V Rh 3 S
n
A 0 .5 3 9 1 .5 9 m 2

P 2 3 1.5 3 9.708
2

A
9

0.927
P 9.708
2
1
V
0.927 3 1
0.538 m/s
5000
0.025
Q VA 0.538 9 4.84 m 3 / s
Rh

1
2

3.0m

Example 2
open channel as shown, bed slope = 69:1584, find
the flow rate using Chezy equation, C=35.

V C Rh S
A

2.52 5.04
0.72 2.52
2.52 16.8
3.6 0.72 150 162.52 m 2
2
2

P 0.72 150

1.8

3.6 2 16.8

A 162.52

0.917
P 177.18
0.69
V 35 0.917
0.7 m/s
1584
Q VA 0.7 162.52 113 .84 m 3 / s
Rh

2.52

5.04 2 177.18 m

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Equivalent Surface Roughness
In some channels different parts of the channel perimeter
may have different roughness's.

Several formulae exist for calculating the equivalent

roughness.
All are based on certain assumptions and are
approximately
effective to the same degree.
One such method of calculation of equivalent roughness is
Consider a channel having its perimeter composed of N
given
P1 , P2 ,..., Pi ,..., PN
types of roughnesses.
are the
below.
lengths ofnthese
N parts and
are the
1 , n2 ,..., ni ,...n N
respective roughness coefficients

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Equivalent Surface Roughness
be associated with a partialAiarea

Let each portPi

such that N

A A A
i 1

... AN A total area

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Equivalent Surface Roughness

It is assumed that the mean velocity in each partial area is

the mean velocity
for the entire area of flow, i.e.
V

V1 V2 ... Vi ...VN V
By the Mannnings formula

12
0

Vi ni
VN n N
V1n1 V2 n2
2 3 2 3 ... 2 3 ... 2 3
R1
R2
Ri
RN

where

From Eq. (6)

= equivalent roughness

Ai

23

ni Pi 2 3

23
nP

Vn
23
R

(6)

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Equivalent Surface Roughness
ni3 2 Pi
Ai A 3 2
n P

A A A

32
i
i
32

n P

(7)

23
32
ni Pi
23

(8)

This equation affords a means of estimating the equivalent roughness

of a channel having multiple roughness types in its perimeter.
If the Darcy-Weisbach friction formula is used under the same
assumption of (i) velocity being equal in all the partial areas and (ii)
slope
is common to all partial areas, then

S0

Derivation of Basic Formulas for

Open Channels Flows
Example 3
An earthen trapezoidal channel (n = 0.025) has a bottom width of 5.0
m, side slopes of 1.5 horizontal:1 vertical and a uniform flow depth of
1.1m. In an economic study to remedy excessive seepage from the
canal two proposals, viz. (a) to line the sides only and (b) to line the
bed only are considered. If the lining is of smooth concrete
(n=0.012), determine the equivalent roughness in the above two
cases.

Solution
Case (a) : Lining on the side only
n1 0.025 and
Here for the bed
For the sides:

P1 5.0 m

n2 0.012 and P2 2 1.10 1 1.5

3.966 m

Example 3
P P1 P2 5.0 3.966 8.966 m

Equivalent roughness, by Eq. (3.26)

5 0.025
n

3.966 0.012
8.966 2 3
0.085447

0.020
4.31585
Case b: Lining on the bottom only
P1 5.0 m n1 0.012
1.5

1.5 2 3

P2 3.966 m n2 0.025
P 8.966

Example 3

Equivalent roughness

5 0.012

1.5

3.966 0.025
8.966 2 3

0.079107
0.018
4.31585

1.5 2 3

Most Efficient
Sections
During the design stages of an open channel, the
channel cross-section, roughness and bottom slope
are given.
The objective is to determine the flow velocity, depth
and flow rate, given any one of them. The design of
channels involves selecting the channel shape and
bed slope to convey a given flow rate with a given
flow depth. For a given discharge, slope and
roughness, the designer aims to minimize the
cross-sectional area A in order to reduce
construction costs

Most Efficient Sections

The most efficient cross-sectional shape is
determined for uniform flow conditions. Considering a
given discharge Q, the velocity V is maximum for the
minimum cross-section A. According to the Manning
equation the hydraulic diameter is then maximum.
It can be shown that:
1. the wetted perimeter is also minimum,
2. the semi-circle section (semi-circle having its
centre in the surface) is the best hydraulic
section

Most Efficient Sections

Because the hydraulic radius is equal to the
water cross section area divided by the
wetted parameter, Channel section with the
least wetted parameter is the best hydraulic
section
Rectangular
section

A B D

P 2D B

A
P2D
D

dP
0
dD
dP
A BD
A
2 2 0 2 2 2
dD
D
D
D

B
D
2

B
2
D

Trapezoidal section
A(Bk D )D

or

dP
0
dD

A
kD
D

PB2 D 1k 2

A
kD ) 2 D 1k 2
D
dP
A
A
2 k 2 1k 2 0 2 1k 2 2 k
dD
D
D
P (

(BkD)D
B2k D
2 1k
k
2
D
D
2

B2kD
D 1k
2
2

Other criteria for economic Trapezoidal section

OFD

The best side slope for Trapezoidal section

dP
0
dk

1
3

60

Circular section
d 2 d 2
A
sin2
4
8

P 2 r d

Maximum Velocity using Manning or

Maximum Flow using Manning

154 D 0.95d
Maximum Flow using Chezy

151 D 0.94d

128.75 D 0.81d

Example 3
Circular open channel as shown d=1.68m, bed slope
= 1:5000, find the Max. flow rate & the Max. velocity
using Chezy equation, C=70.
Max. flow rate

154

V C Rh S
d2
d2
1.68 2

1.68 2
A

sin 2
154

sin 2 154 2.17 m 2

4
8
4
180
8

P d 154
1.68 4.5 m
180
A 2.17
Rh
0.485m
P 4.5
1
V 70 0.485
0.69 m/s
5000
Q VA 0.69 2.17 1.496 m 3 / s

Max. Velocity
128.75

V C Rh S
d2
d2
1.68 2

1.68 2
A

sin 2
128.75

sin 2 128.75 1.93 m 2

4
8
4
180
8

P d 128.75
1.68 3.378 m
180
A
1.93
Rh
0.57m
P 3.3775
1
V 70 0.57
0.748 m/s
5000

Variation of flow and velocity with depth in cir

Example 4
Trapezoidal open channel as shown Q=10m3/s,
velocity =1.5m/s, for most economic section. find
wetted parameter, and the bed slope n=0.014.
D 1 k 2

B 2kD
2

B 2 3 D
2
D 1 3
2
2
0.6055 D B
2

Q 10

6.667 m 2
V 1.5
A B kD D
3
A (0.6055D D) D 6.667
2
D 1.78m
A

P B 2D 1 k 2
P 0.6055 D 2 D 1 k 2

P 0.6055(1.78) 2 1.78 1

To calculate bed Slope

1 2
V Rh 3 S
n
A 6.667 m 2
P 7.49 m
Rh

A 6.667

0.89
P 7.49
2

1
V
0.89 3 S 1.5
0.014
S 1 : 1941.6

7.49m