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CHAPTER 3:
ENERGY AND MOMENTUM PRINCIPLES


3.1  ENERGY PRINCIPLE

[Specific Energy]   [Local Phenomena]   [Momentum Principle]   [Specific Force]   [Nonprismatic Channels]   [Questions]   [Problems]   [References]      [Top]  

Under steady flow, mass and energy are conserved in open-channel flow. On the other hand, under unsteady flow, mass and momentum are conserved. Energy is expressed in FL units (energy = force × distance). Energy per unit of weight is expressed in length units [L]. Potential and kinetic energy may be expressed in terms of head, in units of vertical depth [L].

With reference to the channel of large slope of Fig. 3-1, the total head H at a section 0 containing point A on a streamline may be written as follows:

                                         VA2
H  =  zA  +  dA cos θ  +   ______
                                          2g
(3-1)

in which zA = elevation of point A above a datum plane, dA = depth of point A below the water surface, θ = slope angle of the channel bottom, and VA2/(2g) = velocity head of the flow in the streamline passing through point A.

Conservation of energy in gradually varied open-channel flow

Fig. 3-1  Definition sketch for energy in gradually varied open-channel flow (Chow, 1959).

Due to cross-sectional nonuniformity, the velocity head is likely to vary along the flow depth and width. In practice, at a given cross section, the velocity head is based on the mean velocity V for that cross section, and the Coriolis coefficient (Section 2.2) is used to account for the nonuniformity in the velocity distribution. This leads to the total energy for the channel section:

                                         V 2
H  =  z  +  d cos θ  +  α  _____
                                         2g
(3-2)

For a channel of small slope, cos θ ≅ 1. Thus, the total energy reduces to:

                               V 2
H  =  z  +  d  +  α  _____
                               2g
(3-3)

The statement of conservation of energy between cross sections 1 and 2 leads to (Fig. 3-1):

                                    V12                                           V22
z1  +  d1 cos θ  +  α1  _____  =  z2  +  d2 cos θ  +  α2  _____  +  hf
                                     2g                                             2g
(3-4)

in which hf = energy loss.

The line representing the total head is the energy grade line (EGL) or energy line. The slope of the line is the energy gradient, or Sf. The slope of the water surface is denoted by Sw and the slope of the channel bottom is So, where So = tan θ. Under uniform flow conditions, all three slopes are the same: Sf = Sw = So.

For a channel of small slope, Eq. 3-4 reduces to:

                          V12                                  V22
z1  +  y1  +  α1  _____  =  z2  +  y2  +  α2  _____  +  hf
                           2g                                    2g
(3-5)

When α1 = α2 ≅ 1 (a hydraulically wide channel), and hf = 0, Eq. 3-5 reduces to the statement of conservation of energy, or Bernoulli equation:

                     V12                             V22
z1  +  y1  +   _____  =  z2  +  y2  +   _____  =  constant
                      2g                              2g
(3-6)


3.2  SPECIFIC ENERGY

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Equation 3-6 is applicable to a channel of small slope. In the limit, when the channel is horizontal, or else, as an approximation, when the channel is sufficiently short, Eq. 3-6 simplifies to a statement of conservation of specific energy. In effect, for z1z2, Eq. 3-6 reduces to:

            V12                   V22
y1  +   _____  =  y2  +   _____  =  constant
            2g                     2g
(3-7)

Equation 3-7 states the constancy of specific energy in a hydraulically wide horizontal channel. The specific energy is:

                    V 2                   
E  =  y  +   _____
                    2g                  
(3-8)

where E is the energy per (unit of) weight, measured with respect to the channel bottom, defined in terms of the flow depth y and the velocity head V 2/(2g).

Since V = Q /A, the specific energy in terms of discharge is:

                       Q 2                   
E  =  y  +   _________
                    2g A 2                  
(3-9)

Since Q is a constant under steady flow, and flow area A is always a unique function of flow depth y, the specific energy for a given Q is only a function of y.

For a given cross section and discharge Q, a plot of flow depth y versus specific energy E leads to the specific energy curve. A typical curve is shown in Fig. 3-2. For a given Q, the specific energy curve is a type of hyperbolic function, featuring a minimum value of E and two limbs, a lower limb AC and an upper limb BC.

Specific energy curve

Fig. 3-2  Specific energy curve (Chow, 1959).

The minimum value of E (at point C) characterizes the critical state of flow, with critical depth. The lower limb AC, with smaller depths, describes supercritical flow. This limb is asymptotic to the horizontal axis. The upper limb BC, with larger depths, describes subcritical flow. This limb is asymptotic to a 45° line OD that originates at the origin (O). At any point P on the curve, the abscissa represents the specific energy E and the ordinate the flow depth y.

For a given specific energy, there are two points on the curve, one corresponding to low stage (small depth) and another corresponding to high stage (large depth). These depths are referred to as alternate depths. At point C, the alternate depths coalesce into one depth, termed the critical depth; at that point, the specific energy is a minimum. When the depth of flow is greater than the critical depth, the flow is termed subcritical. When the depth of flow is smaller than the critical depth, the flow is termed supercritical. For a discharge Q, the specific energy curve is curve AB in Fig. 3-2. For a smaller discharge, it is A'B'; for a larger discharge, it is A"B".


Critical flow criterion

From Fig. 3-2, critical depth (critical flow) corresponds to minimum specific energy. To prove this assertion mathematically, differentiate Eq. 3-9 with respect to y and equate to zero, to yield:

   dE                     Q 2       dA       
______  =  1  -   _______  ______  =  0
   dy                    g A 3      dy
(3-10)

By definition, the differential change in flow area dA is equal to the top width T times the differential change in flow depth dy (Fig. 3-2):

 
dA = T dy
 
(3-11)

Thus, Eq. 3-10 reduces to:

 Q 2 Tc              
________  =  1
  g Ac 3      
(3-12)

Since Dc = Ac /Tc , and Vc = Q /Ac , Eq. 3-12 reduces to:

  Vc 2              
______  =  1
 g Dc      
(3-13)

The left-hand side of Eq. 3-13 is effectively the square of the Froude number (Section 1-3). Thus, the condition F 2 = 1, or better yet, F = 1, properly describes the condition of critical flow, for which the specific energy is a minimum. Alternatively, Eq. 3-13 may be expressed as follows:

  Vc 2          Dc
______  =  _____
   2g            2
(3-14)

which states that, under critical flow, the velocity head is equal to one-half of the hydraulic depth. Figure 3-3 shows a channel operating at near critical flow.

Canal operating at near critical flow

Fig. 3-3  A canal operating at near critical flow.

Equation 3-14 describes the critical flow condition for a channel of small slope that is hydraulically wide (α = 1). In general, for a channel of large slope and arbitrary cross-sectional shape, the critical flow condition is:

      Vc 2         Dc cos θ
α  ______  =  __________
       2g                2
(3-15)

in which Dc is the hydraulic depth corresponding to critical flow, measured normal to the channel bottom. Thus, the general critical flow condition is:

              Vc 2         
 _________________  =  1
  (g Dc cos θ) / α                 
(3-16)

and the general definition for Froude number, applicable to any channel, regardless of slope and cross-sectional shape, is:

                        V         
F  =   _____________________
           [ (g D cos θ) / α ]1/2                
(3-17)


3.3  LOCAL PHENOMENA

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Changes from supercritical to subcritical flow, or from subcritical to supercritical flow, occur frequently in open-channel flow, depending on the prevailing channel slope and cross section. If the changes occur within a relatively short distance, they constitutes local phenomena. The hydraulic drop and the hydraulic jump are examples of local phenomena.


The hydraulic drop

The hydraulic drop is triggered by a sharp depression in the water surface, usually caused by an abrupt change in bottom elevation. The free overfall shown in Fig. 3-4 is an example of a hydraulic drop.

A free overfall

Fig. 3-4  A free overfall.

Flow in the proximity of a free overfall is usually rapidly varied; therefore, the brink depth is somewhat smaller than the critical depth computed by the theory of parallel flow. Figure 3-5 shows a schematic of the flow near the brink. The actual drawdown curve is shown with a solid line, while the theoretical water-surface curve, assuming parallel flow, is shown with a dashed line. For channels of small slope, the computed critical depth is about 1.4 times the brink depth; i.e., yc ≅ 1.4 yo. The computed critical depth is located upstream of the brink, a distance of about 3 to 4 times the critical depth (Chow, 1959).

Critical depth near a hydraulic drop

Fig. 3-5  Critical depth near a free overfall (Chow, 1959).

The hydraulic jump

The hydraulic jump is triggered by an abrupt rise in the water surface as the flow progresses downstream. In a hydraulic jump the flow changes from supercritical upstream to subcritical downstream, accompanied by an appreciable loss of energy. The amount of energy loss depends on the upstream and downstream flow conditions.

The jump occurs frequently under one of the following situations:

  1. Below a regulating sluice gate (Fig. 3-6),

  2. At the toe (or foot) of a spillway, or

  3. At the location along the channel where the bottom slope suddenly changes from steep to mild.

A hydraulic jump,

Fig. 3-6  A hydraulic jump.

The flow depth before the jump is called the initial depth y1, while the flow after the jump is called the sequent depth y2. The initial and sequent depths y1 and y2 are shown on the specific energy curve of Fig. 3-7. They should be distinguished from the alternate depths y1 and y2', which are two possible depths for the same specific energy.

The specific energy E1 at the initial depth y1 is greater than the specific energy E2 at the sequent depth y2. The energy loss due to the hydraulic jump is the difference between specific energies for initial and sequent depths:

 
ΔE = E1 - E2
 
(3-18)

Also shown, to the right of Fig. 3-7, is the specific force curve (Section 3.5), where the sequent depths y1 and y2 have the same specific force: F1 = F2.

Critical depth near a hydraulic drop

Fig. 3-7  Hydraulic jump interpreted by specific energy and specific force curves (Chow, 1959).


3.4  MOMENTUM PRINCIPLE

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Momentum M is equal to a force integrated over a period of time, or mass times velocity, Eq. 2-27, repeated here for convenience:

 
M  =  F dt  =  m V                 ... [M L T -1 ]
 
(3-19)

The momentum flux, or force F, of a flow with velocity V through a cross section of area A, Eq. 2-30, repeated here as Eq. 3-20, is:

               
F  =  β ρ V 2 A                 ... [F]
               
(3-20)

Since Q = VA, the momentum flux, or force F, exerted by a flow of discharge Q and velocity V is:

               
F  =  β ρ Q V                 ... [F]
               
(3-21)

According to Newton's second law of motion, the change ΔF in momentum flux through a control volume is equal to the resultant of all the external forces acting on the control volume. The external forces are: (1) body force, and (2) surface forces. The body force is the gravitational force, resolved along the direction of motion (the force labeled W sinθ in Fig. 3-8). In general, there is a nonzero channel bottom slope θ; otherwise, the channel bottom would be horizontal and the gravitational component along the direction of motion would vanish.

The surface forces on the control volume are of three kinds: (1) on the bottom, (2) on the sides, and (3) on the top. The bottom surface force is due to friction, which is always acting in the direction opposite to the flow (the force labeled Ff in Fig. 3-8). There is no such thing as zero friction; under certain conditions, friction may be neglected, but it is never zero.

The side surface forces are two: one upstream, the force labeled P1 in Fig. 3-8, and another downstream, the force labeled P2. These forces are due to the water pressure, which is either hydrostatic under parallel flow, or nonhydrostatic under convex or concave curvilinear flow (Section 2.6).

The top surface force is due to wind. Under the scales normally considered in open-channel flow, wind forces are small and are usually neglected. However, wind forces may not be negligible in cases on free-surface flow in reservoirs or flow in a wide open space such as the ocean.

The statement of momentum (flux) conservation in a control volume is (Fig. 3-8):

               
ρ Q (β2V2  -  β1V1)  =  P1  -  P2  +  W sin θ  -  Ff                 ... [F]
               
(3-22)

Or, in terms of unit weight:

               
(γ/g) Q (β2V2  -  β1V1)  =  P1  -  P2  +  W sin θ  -  Ff                 ... [F]
               
(3-23)

Definition sketch of 
the forces acting in a control volume

Fig. 3-8  Definition sketch for the surface forces acting in a control volume (Chow, 1959).

Following the usual convention of mechanics, the momentum flux difference is equal to the flux at the downstream section 2 minus the flux at the upstream section 1. The forces acting on the control volume are positive in the flow direction and negative against it. Equation 3-23 is known as the momentum flux balance equation or, for short, the momentum equation.

For parallel flow in a rectangular channel of small slope and width b, the force P1 is:

               
P1  =  (1/2) γ b y12                 ... [F]
               
(3-24)

Similarly, the force P2 is:

               
P2  =  (1/2) γ b y22                 ... [F]
               
(3-25)

The weight W of the control volume (Fig. 3-8) is:

               
W  =  (1/2) γ b L (y1  +  y2)                 ... [F]
               
(3-26)

The weight of the control volume, resolved along the direction of motion (Fig. 3-8), is:

               
W sin θ  =  (1/2) γ b (y1  +  y2) (z1  -  z2)                 ... [F]
               
(3-27)

Generally, under typical gradually varied flow conditions, the friction force Ff along the channel bottom is about equal and opposite in sign to the gravitational force W sin θ (Eq. 3-27). Thus, the friction force may be expressed as follows:

               
Ff  =  (1/2) γ b (y1  +  y2) hf'                 ... [F]
               
(3-28)

in which hf' = head loss due to friction.

The discharge Q is:

Q  =  (1/2) (V1  +  V2) b (1/2) (y1  +  y2)                  ... [L3 T -1]
               
(3-29)

Substituting Eqs. 3-24 to 3-29 into Eq. 3-23 and simplifying terms, the following equation is obtained:

                          V12                                  V22
z1  +  y1  +  β1  _____  =  z2  +  y2  +  β2  _____  +  hf'
                           2g                                    2g
(3-30)

Equation 3-30 differs from Eq. 3-5 in several important respects:

  • Energy is a scalar, therefore, Eq. 3-5 is a scalar equation; on the other hand, momentum is a vector, therefore, Eq. 3-30 is derived from a vector equation.

  • The velocity distribution coefficients are not the same; while the Coriolis coefficients apply to Eq. 3-5, the Boussinesq coefficients apply to Eq. 3-30.

  • The energy head loss hf of Eq. 3-5 measures internal losses throughout the control volume, while the friction head loss hf' of Eq. 3-30 measures external losses due to the action of surface forces on the control volume.

Thus, while Eqs. 3-5 and 3-30 look similar, they are not equivalent. Equation 3-5 applies to steady gradually varied flow, while Eq. 3-30 applies for unsteady gradually varied flow. In other words, Eq. 3-30 does account for the inertial forces which are present in unsteady flow, while Eq. 3-5 does not.

In practice, the momentum principle applies to problems where forces can be shown to play a significant role. Typically, problems of steady gradually varied flow use conservation of energy, while problems of unsteady gradually varied flow use conservation of momentum. The exception is the hydraulic jump, which is rapidly varied. Both energy and momentum principles are used in the solution of the hydraulic jump.


3.5  SPECIFIC FORCE

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In horizontal channels, the gravitational force resolved along the direction of motion is effectively zero. As a convenient approximation, for nearly horizontal channels, the gravitational force may be considered small and be neglected on practical grounds.

The frictional force develops along the channel bottom; the longer the channel, the greater the frictional force. Thus, for a short channel, the frictional force may be taken as sufficiently small and neglected on practical grounds. Note that the frictional force is never zero; its neglect is only justified as an approximation, when compared with the other forces that are present in open-channel flow.

The neglect or elimination of the gravitational and frictional forces in the momentum flux balance reduces it to:

               
(γ/g) Q (β2V2  -  β1V1)  =  P1  -  P2                 ... [F]
               
(3-31)

Assuming β1 = β2 = 1, Eq. 3-31 reduces to:

               
(γ/g) Q (V2  -  V1)  =  P1  -  P2                 ... [F]
               
(3-32)

Since V1 = Q / A1, and V2 = Q / A2:

             Q 2          Q 2
(γ/g) ( ______  -  ______ )  =  P1  -  P2                 ... [F]
             A2           A1
(3-33)

The pressure force P acting on a cross-section of area A and distance from the centroid of the area to the water surface [Fig. 3-9 (b)] is:

               
P  =  γ A                 ... [F]
               
(3-34)

Definition sketch for a specific force curve

Fig. 3-9  Definition sketch for a specific force curve (Chow, 1959).

Thus:

               
P1  =  γ 1 A1                 ... [F]
               
(3-35)

               
P2  =  γ 2 A2                 ... [F]
               
(3-36)

Substituting Eqs. 3-35 and 3-36 into Eq. 3-33, and dividing by unit weight γ :

  Q 2                         Q 2
______  +  1 A1  =  ______  +  2 A2                 ... [L 3]
  gA1                        gA2
(3-37)

In general, the specific force is defined as follows:

           Q 2
F  =  ______  +  A                 ... [L 3]
           gA
(3-38)

Equation 3-37 states that specific force is conserved in open-channel flow in a short horizontal channel, i.e., F1 = F2. Note that specific force is a force per unit of γ, the weight per unit of volume; therefore, specific force has the units of volume [L3].

The specific force curve shown in Fig. 3-9 (c) is obtained by plotting F in the abscissas and y in the ordinates. This curve is similar to the specific energy curve [Fig. 3-9 (a)], but with significant differences. The limb AC approaches the horizontal axis asymptotically toward the right. The limb BC rises upward and extends without limit to the right.

For a given value of specific force F1, the curve has two possible depths: y1 and y2. These are the initial and sequent depths of a hydraulic jump, respectively. At point C [Fig. 3-9 (c)], the sequent depths coalesce into one depth, termed the critical depth; at that point, the specific force is a minimum. Note that this is the same critical depth obtained by specific energy considerations; see Fig. 3-9 (a).


Critical flow criterion for specific force

As in the case of specific energy, to prove that minimum specific force corresponds to the critical flow criterion, differentiate Eq. 3-38 with respect to y to yield:

   dF                Q 2       dA            d(z̄A)
______  =   -  _______  ______  +   ________  =  0
   dy               g A 2      dy               dy
(3-39)

For a change in depth dy, the corresponding change d(z̄A) in the static moment of the water area about the free surface is equal to:

               
d(z̄A)  =  [A (  +  dy) + (1/2) T (dy)2]  - z̄A                 
               
(3-40)

As usual in differential calculus, the second-order term in Eq. 3-40 is neglected, to yield:

               
d(z̄A)  =  A dy                 
               
(3-41)

Therefore, Eq. 3-39 reduces to:

   dF                Q 2       dA            
______  =   -  _______  ______  +  A  =  0
   dy               g A 2      dy               
(3-42)

Simplifying Eq. 3-42:

  Q 2       dA            
______  ______  =  A
 g A 2      dy               
(3-43)

Since dA /dy = T, Q /A = V, and A /T = D, Eq. 3-43 reduces to:

  V 2                   
______  =  1
 g D                     
(3-44)

which is the square of the Froude number:

            Vc 2                   
F 2  =  ______  =  1
           g Dc                     
(3-45)

Equation 3-45 is the criterion for critical flow, applicable to both specific energy and specific force (specific momentum) curves.

Note that the sequent depth y2 is always smaller than the high alternate depth y2' (Fig. 3-7). Furthermore, the energy E2 is always smaller than the energy E1, while the specific force F2 remains equal to the specific force F1 [Fig. 3-7 and Fig. 3-9 (c)]. In order to maintain a constant specific force, the flow depth must increase from y1 to y2 at the cost of losing a certain amount of energy. The energy loss is equal to: ΔE = E1 - E2. This situation occurs in the hydraulic jump, where the specific forces before and after the jump are equal, but with a consequent loss of energy (Fig. 3-10).

Hydraulic jump roller

Fig. 3-10  Hydraulic jump roller.


Specific force per unit of channel width

In a hydraulically wide channel, the specific force per unit of channel width b is:

 F          q 2         y 2
___  =  _____  +  _____                 ... [L 2]
 b          gy           2
(3-46)

where q = Q /b.

In terms of mean velocity V = q/y, the specific force per unit of channel width b is:

 F          V 2y           y 2
___  =  _______  +  _____                 ... [L 2]
 b             g             2
(3-47)


Specific force in units of force

In units of force, the specific force is:

            γQ 2
γF  =  _______  +  γ z̄ A                 ... [F]
              gA
(3-48)

In units of force, the specific force per unit of channel width b is:

 γF          γq 2         γy 2
____  =  ______  +  ______                 ... [F L -1]
  b            gy             2
(3-49)

In units of force, and in terms of mean velocity V, the specific force per unit of channel width b is:

 γF          γV 2y           γy 2
____  =  _________  +  _____                 ... [F L -1]
  b               g               2
(3-50)

Example 3-1:   The hydraulic jump equation


Derive the relation between the initial (y1) and sequent (y2) depth in a hydraulic jump (Eq. 9-13) on a horizontal floor in a rectangular channel (Fig. 3-11).

Definition sketch for a hydraulic jump

Fig. 3-11  Definition sketch for a hydraulic jump.


From Eq. 3-47, the specific force balance between section 1 (upstream) and section 2 (downstream) of the hydraulic jump, is:

  V1 2y1          y1 2         V2 2y2          y2 2
_________  +  _____  =  _________  +  _____                 
     g                 2              g                2
(3-51)

Replacing F12 = V12 /(gy1), and noticing that, by continuity, V2 y2 = V1 y1:

    y2                                  y2
( ____ )3  -  (2 F12  +  1) ( ____ )  +  2 F12  =  0                 
    y1                                  y1
(3-52)

Factoring Eq. 3-52:

      y2              y2                         y2
[ ( ____ )2  -  ( ____ )  +  2 F12 ] ( ____  -  1 ) =  0                 
      y1              y1                         y1
(3-53)

The solution of the quadratic equation within brackets in Eq. 3-53 is:

  y2         1                               
____  =  ____  [ (1  +  8 F1 2 )1/2  -  1 ]
  y1         2                                     
(3-54)

which is the same as Eq. 9-13.



3.6  MOMENTUM PRINCIPLE IN NONPRISMATIC CHANNELS

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When the external forces are negligible or known in advance, the momentum principle may be applied to nonprismatic channels. The momentum principle is particularly applicable to the hydraulic jump, where the high internal losses that occur cannot be fully evaluated using the energy principle alone.

The following example illustrates how the momentum principle may be applied to the design of a channel transition (Chow, 1959). In this case, the upstream flow is supercritical and the downstream flow subcritical, opening up the possibility that a hydraulic jump may form somewhere within the transition. The latter may be avoided by modifying the shape of the channel cross section in the transition; for example, raising the bed elevation as shown in part (b) below.


Example 3-2:   Design of a channel transition, from supercritical to subcritical flow

Assume that a rectangular channel 8-ft wide carries 100 cfs at a depth of 0.5 ft. The channel is connected through a 50-ft long straight-line transition to a 10-ft wide channel flowing at a depth of 4 ft. It is desired to design the transition, including the calculation of the flow profile. For simplicity, neglect friction and other minor losses (see Section 7.6).

Solution. Use Eq. 3-9 to calculate the total energy at the upstream end of the transition: Eu = 10.214 ft. Likewise, the total energy at the downstream end is:  Ed = 4.097 ft.

The difference between these two values is the energy loss, or energy drop:  ΔE = Eu - Ed = 6.117 ft. This energy must be dissipated through the transition by some means. The following two cases are considered:

  1. Abrupt energy dissipation, Fig. 3-12 (a), wherein a hydraulic jump occurs within the transition; and

  2. Gradual energy dissipation, Fig. 3-12 (b), by providing a specially designed hump on the channel bottom to avoid the hydraulic jump.

A. Abrupt energy dissipation. The upstream and downstream Froude numbers (Eq. 1-9) are Fu = 6.23 and Fd = 0.22, respectively. Therefore, the flow will change from supercritical to subcritical within the transition. If the channel bottom is horizontal, the change will take place through a hydraulic jump; Fig. 3-12 (a). Conversely, if a hump is specified on the channel bottom, the change will be gradual and the hydraulic jump will be avoided; Fig. 3-12 (b).

momentum principle in nonprismatic channels

Fig. 3-12  Energy and momentum principles applied to a channel transition:
(a) with hydraulic jump, and (b) without hydraulic jump (Chow, 1959)
(Click -here- to display).

Table 3-1 shows the computations of the channel transition, with hydraulic jump. Note the following:

  1. Column 1 shows eleven (11) stations, numbered from 0 to 10 and spaced at 5-ft intervals.

  2. Column 2 shows the distance from upstream end.

  3. Column 3 shows the bottom width b, varying linearly from upstream to downstream.

  4. Column 4 shows the low stage y1 (supercritical) corresponding to the upstream total energy Eu. These values were calculated by iteration, using Eq. 3-9.

  5. Column 5 shows the specific force (F1) corresponding to the low stages (y1) of Col. 4. These values were calculated using Eq. 3-38.

  6. Column 6 shows the high stage y2' (subcritical) corresponding to the upstream total energy Ed. These values were calculated by iteration, using Eq. 3-9.

  7. Column 7 shows the specific force (F2) corresponding to the high stage (y2)' of Col. 6. These values were calculated using Eq. 3-38.


Table 3-1  Computations of the channel transition, with hydraulic jump.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
Section
No.
Distance
from
upstream
end
Bottom
width
b (ft)
Upstream energy:
Eu = 10.214 ft
Downstream energy:
Ed = 4.097 ft
Low stage
y1 (ft)
Specific force
F1 (ft3)
High stage
y2' (ft)
Specific force
F2 (ft3)
0 0 + 00 8.0 0.500 78.71 3.941 71.98
1 0 + 05 8.2 0.487 78.75 3.949 73.53
2 0 + 10 8.4 0.476 78.77 3.956 75.10
3 0 + 15 8.6 0.464 78.79 3.963 76.66
4 0 + 20 8.8 0.453 78.81 3.970 78.24
5 0 + 25 9.0 0.443 78.83 3.976 79.82
6 0 + 30 9.2 0.433 78.86 3.981 81.40
7 0 + 35 9.4 0.424 78.87 3.986 82.98
8 0 + 40 9.6 0.415 78.89 3.991 84.58
9 0 + 45 9.8 0.406 78.90 3.996 86.17
10 0 + 50 10.0 0.398 78.91 4.000 87.77

Table 3-1 shows that the specific force for the low stages (Col. 5) varies little along the transition, having a mean value of about 78.8 ft3. On the other hand, the specific force for the high stages (Col. 7) varies on a much greater range, from a low of 71.98 ft3 at the upstream end to a high of 87.77 ft3 at the downstream end. The hydraulic jump (Section 9.4) must occur somewhere around the middle of the transition, purposely at the intersection of the specific force lines [Fig. 3-12 (a)]. At this section, the water surface at low stage will jump to the high stage, as indicated by the vertical line of Fig. 3-12 (a). The actual jump occurs over a short distance, as indicated by the dotted line. The energy loss in the jump is the difference between the upstream and downstream total energy heads: ΔE = 6.117 ft.

By varying the shape (width) of the cross sections in the transition, the location of the intersection of the specific force lines may be changed, i.e., the position of the jump. Changing the flow depth in the downstream channel (i.e., at the end of the transition) will also change the position of the jump. Generally, a small increase in the downstream depth will move the jump upstream; conversely, a small decrease in the downstream depth will move the jump downstream.

B. Gradual energy dissipation. The hydraulic jump may be avoided by providing a way to gradually dissipate the energy. This can be accomplished by varying the width or raising the bottom of the transition in such a way that the actual energy grade line (EGL) is a straight line joining the total heads at the two end sections [Fig. 3-12 (b)]. In an actual design, first assume the flow profile and then proportion the dimensions of the raised bottom following applicable hydraulic laws. The following steps are recommended:

  1. The shape of the water-surface profile may be appropriately specified as two mirrored parabolas, one forward and the other backward, pieced together at midpoint of the transition and positioned in such a way that:

    • The forward parabola is tangent to the flow at the upstream end;

    • The backward parabola is tangent to the flow at the downstream end; and

    • The two parabolas, forward and backward, are tangent to each other at midpoint (see Section 7.6).

  2. Assume a uniform drop in the total energy line through the transition, as shown in Fig. 3-12 (b).

  3. Select a suitable number of cross sections. At each cross section:

    • Compute the total head following Step 2.

    • Compute the velocity head, that is, the difference between total head and water surface elevation.

    • Compute the velocity, flow area, and flow depth.

    • Compute the elevation of the hump at the bottom of the transition, equal to the water surface elevation minus the flow depth.

    • Compute the alternate depth.

    • Compute the specific force curves: F1 for the low stage, and F2 for the high stage. Plot these curves on a convenient scale.

Table 3-2 shows the computations of the channel transition, without hydraulic jump. Note the following:

  1. Column 1 shows eleven (11) stations, numbered from 0 to 10 and spaced at 5-ft intervals.

  2. Column 2 shows the distance from upstream end.

  3. Column 3 shows the bottom width b.

  4. Column 4 shows the total head H.

  5. Column 5 shows the water surface elevation (W.S. Elev.), approximated as two mirrored parabolas. For example, for the forward (backward) parabola, the rise (drop) in water surface elevation is calculated as follows:

    Δw = (b /a 2) (∑Δx)2

    (3-55)

    in which a = half length of the transition (for this case, a = 25); b = half drop in water surface elevation (for this case, b = 1.75); and ∑Δx = cumulative distance. For instance, for Section 0 + 05 (forward parabola), the rise is:

    Δw0 + 05 = (1.75 / 252) (5.00)2 = 0.07 ft

    and, therefore, the water surface elevation (W.S. Elev.) (Col. 3) is:  0.5 + 0.07 = 0.57 ft.

  6. Column 6 shows the velocity head hv = V 2/(2g), calculated as the difference between total head (Col. 4) and water surface elevation (Col. 5).

  7. Column 7 shows the velocity V = (2ghv)1/2

  8. Column 8 shows the flow area A = Q /V

  9. Column 9 shows the flow depth y1 = A /b

  10. Column 10 shows the critical depth yc = [Q2 /(gb2)]1/3

  11. Column 11 shows the elevation z of the hump on the channel bottom, calculated as the difference between the water surface elevation (Col. 5) and the flow depth y1 (Col. 9).

  12. Column 12 shows the alternate depth y2', calculated by iteration from the definition of hydraulic head:

                                 Q 2
    H  =  y2'  +  _______________
                           2g (y2' b)2
    (3-56)

  13. Column 13 shows the specific force F1 corresponding to the low stage y1, calculated using Eq. 3-38.

  14. Column 14 shows the specific force F2 corresponding to the high stage y2', calculated using Eq. 3-38.

Table 3-2  Computations of the channel transition, without hydraulic jump.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)
Section
No.
Dist.
from
u/s
end
b
(ft)
H
(ft)
W.S.
Elev.
(ft)
V2/(2g)
(ft)
V
(fps)
A
(ft2)
y1
(ft)
yc
(ft)
z
(ft)
y2'
(ft)
F1
(ft3)
F2
(ft3)
0 0 + 00 8.00 10.214 0.50 9.714 25.000 4.000 0.500 1.694 0.000 10.191 78.71 419.15
1 0 + 05 8.2 9.602 0.57 9.032 24.107 4.148 0.506 1.666 0.064 9.577 75.985 419.208
2 0 + 10 8.4 8.991 0.78 8.211 22.984 4.351 0.518 1.639 0.262 8.963 72.573 341.554
3 0 + 15 8.6 8.379 1.13 7.249 21.596 4.63 0.538 1.614 0.592 8.349 68.378 304.044
4 0 + 20 8.8 7.767 1.62 6.147 19.888 5.028 0.571 1.589 1.049 7.734 63.257 267.727
5 0 + 25 9.0 7.156 2.25 4.906 17.766 5.629 0.625 1.566 1.625 7.118 56.985 232.825
6 0 + 30 9.2 6.544 2.88 3.664 15.354 6.513 0.708 1.543 2.172 6.500 50.032 199.573
7 0 + 35 9.4 5.932 3.37 2.562 12.839 7.788 0.829 1.521 2.541 5.881 43.138 168.195
8 0 + 40 9.6 5.321 3.72 1.601 10.148 9.854 1.026 1.5 2.694 5.260 36.602 138.937
9 0 + 45 9.8 4.709 3.93 0.779 7.079 14.127 1.441 1.479 2.489 4.633 32.186 112.042
10 0 + 50 10.0 4.097 4.00 0.097 2.500 40.000 4.000 1.459 0.000 0.500 87.771 63.420

Critical flow over the hump occurs at a distance, measured from the upstream end, where the flow depth (Col. 9) is equal to the critical depth (Col. 10). For this example, the match occurs at a distance X = 45.26 ft, and the flow depth at the critical flow section is: y = yc = 1.478 ft. [This result was obtained using ONLINE TRANSITION DESIGN SUPERCRITICAL B with a resolution of N = 100 reaches].

Figure 3-12 (b) shows the shape of the hump necessary to provide a gradual drop in the energy gradeline (EGL), thus avoiding the hydraulic jump. Note that the specific force lines intersect in the vicinity of the critical flow section (Table 3-2).

momentum principle in nonprismatic channels

Fig. 3-12  Energy and momentum principles applied to a channel transition:
(a) with hydraulic jump, and (b) without hydraulic jump (Chow, 1959)
(Click -here- to display).


QUESTIONS

[Problems]   [References]      [Top]   [Energy Principle]   [Specific Energy]   [Local Phenomena]   [Momentum Principle]   [Specific Force]   [Nonprismatic Channels]  

  1. What is the difference between total energy and specific energy?

  2. What is critical flow in terms of specific energy?

  3. What causes a hydraulic drop?

  4. Why is the flow depth at a free overfall less than critical?

  5. What causes a hydraulic jump?

  6. Why is momentum unsteady?

  7. What is the body force considered in open-channel flow?

  8. What is the magnitude of the body force in a horizontal channel?

  9. What is the difference between alternate depths and sequent depths?

  10. Where does specific force apply?

  11. For what type of problems is specific force used?


PROBLEMS

[References]      [Top]   [Energy Principle]   [Specific Energy]   [Local Phenomena]   [Momentum Principle]   [Specific Force]   [Nonprismatic Channels]   [Questions]  

  1. Derive the relation for the discharge per unit of width q under a sluice gate, as a function of upstream depth y1 and downstream depth y3 (Fig. 3-12).

    Discharge under a sluice gate

    Fig. 3-12  Discharge under a sluice gate.

    [See also Lab video:  Sluice gate].

  2. Prove that the equation derived in the previous problem (Problem 1) is mathematically equivalent to the equation based on y1 and y2 used in ONLINE CHANNEL 13.

  3. Using the specific energy principle, derive the formula for the dimensionless throat width of a channel constriction that forces critical flow through it (Fig. 3-13) [Henderson (1966), p. 267].

               bc            (27)1/2 F1             
    σ  =  _____  =  _______________
               b1          (2 + F12) 3/2              
    (3-55)

    Critical width constriction

    Fig. 3-13  Critical width constriction using specific energy.

  4. Use ONLINE CHANNEL 17 to calculate the required throat width bc for the following upstream conditions:   y1 = 2.2 m, v1 = 1.2 m/s, and b1 = 3.2 m. What would be the required throat width if the upstream channel width is b1 = 2.2 m?

  5. Using the specific force principle, show that the force fo (in kN/m) exerted by a blunt obstruction at the bottom of a wide rectangular channel is:

                            1 - α 2                     1
    fo  =  - γ y12 [ ________  +  ( 1  -   _____ ) F12 ]
                                2                         α
    (3-56)

    where γ = unit weight of water, F1 = upstream Froude number, y1 = upstream flow depth, and α = y2/y1, where y2 = downstream flow depth (after the obstruction). Given q = 1.5 m2/s, v1 = 1.0 m/s, and α = 0.91, calculate the force fo. Assuming the flow is from left to right, in what direction is the force fo acting?

  6. Using the specific force principle, derive the formula for the dimensionless throat width of a channel constriction that forces critical flow through it (Fig. 3-14) [modified from Henderson (1966), p. 267].

               bc                (3)3/4 F3             
    σ  =  _____  =  _________________
               b3           (1 + 2 F32) 3/4              
    (3-57)

    Critical width constriction

    Fig. 3-14  Critical width constriction using specific force.

  7. Using ONLINE LIMITING CONTRACTION, calculate the limiting contraction ratios using both energy and momentum principles, for a Froude number F = 0.3.

  8. Using ONLINE LIMITING CONTRACTION SET, calculate the limiting contraction ratios using both energy and momentum principles, for Froude numbers is the range 0.1 ≤ F ≤ 2.0, at intervals of 0.1. Discuss the results.

  9. A submerged hydraulic jump occurs immediately downstream of a sluice outlet in a rectangular channel. Using the momentum principle, prove that the ratio of submerged depth ys to tailwater depth y2 is:

      ys                                         y2  
    _____  =  [ 1  +  2 F22 ( 1  -  _____ ) ] 1/2

      y2                                         y1              
    (3-58)

    Discharge under a sluice gate

    Fig. 3-15  A submerged hydraulic jump at a sluice outlet.

  10. Verify Table 3-1 using ONLINE TRANSITION DESIGN SUPERCRITICAL A.

  11. Verify Table 3-2 using ONLINE TRANSITION DESIGN SUPERCRITICAL B.

  12. Given: Discharge = 125 cfs; upstream bottom width = 8 ft; upstream flow depth = 0.5 ft, downstream bottom width = 16 ft; length of transition = 50 ft. What should be the downstream flow depth (to an accuracy of 0.1 ft) for the hydraulic jump to occur approximately in the middle of the transition (Section 0 + 25)?

  13. Given: Discharge = 125 cfs; upstream bottom width = 8 ft; upstream flow depth = 0.5 ft; downstream bottom width = 12 ft; downstream flow depth = 4 ft; length of transition = 50 ft. Design a supercritical channel transition without hydraulic jump.

  14. Given: Discharge = 400 cfs; upstream bottom width = 12 ft; upstream flow depth = 1 ft, downstream bottom width = 32 ft; length of transition = 100 ft. What should be the downstream flow depth (to an accuracy of 0.1 ft) for the hydraulic jump to occur approximately in the middle of the transition (Section 0 + 50)?


REFERENCES

   [Top]   [Energy Principle]   [Specific Energy]   [Local Phenomena]   [Momentum Principle]   [Specific Force]   [Nonprismatic Channels]   [Questions]   [Problems]  

Chow, V. T. 1959. Open-channel Hydraulics. McGraw Hill, New York.

Henderson, F. M. 1966. Open channel flow. Macmillan, New York.


http://openchannelhydraulics.sdsu.edu
180910 13:30

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