Chapter V

STEADY NON-UNIFORM FLOW OR VARIED (S SO)FLOW IN OPEN CHANNELS

1
v12
2g

EGL Slope= S

E.G.L
.

hL=SL

v22
2g

y1

Channel bed, slope = So

SoL

y2

Figure 4.6. Non-uniform gradually varied flow

Uniform flow is found only in artificial channels of constant shape, slope, although under these
conditions the flow for some distances may be non-uniform, as shown in Figure 4.1. However, with
natural stream the slope of the bed and the shape and size of the cross-section usually vary to such
an extent that true uniform flow is rare. Hence, the application of Manning equation for uniform
flow can be applied to non-uniform flow with accuracy dependent on the length of reach L taken. In
order to apply these equations at all, the streams must be divided into several reaches within which
the conditions are approximately the same.

From the above figure, energy equation between section 1-2

12
22
+ + = + 2 +
2 1
2
22
12
=
+
+
2 2
2 1
= 2 1

2 1
=

Slope can be determined by Mannings Equation

2 2
4
3

where :
=

2 + 1
( 1 2)
2

2 + 1
( )
2
1 =

1
1

2 =

2
2

There are two types of non uniform flow depending upon the change of depth of flow over the
length of the channel. If the depth of flow in a channel changes a gradually over a length of the
channel, the flow is said to be Gradually Varied Flow (GVF). If depth of flow changes abruptly over a
small length of the channel, the flow is said to be a local non-uniform phenomenon or Rapidly
Varied Flow (RVF). Gradually varied flow can occur with either subcritical or supercritical flow, but
the transition from one condition to the other is ordinarily abrupt, as between D and E in Figure 4.1.
Other cases of local non-uniform flow occur at the entrance and exit of a channel, at channel at
changes in cross sections, at bends and at on obstruction such as dams, weirs or bridge piers. See
Figure 4.7 for steady non-uniform flow in a channel.

Depth of flow for non-uniform flow conditions varies with longitudinal distance. It occurs upstream
and downstream control sections.

Rapid varied flow of occurs on the following condition:

1. Occurrence of hydraulic jump
2. Flow entering a steep channel from lake or a reservoir
3. Flow close to a free out fall from a channel
4. Flow in a vicinity of an obstruction such as bridge pier or sluice gate
Gradual varied flow occurs on the following condition:
1. Backwater created by a dam place in a river
2. Drawdown of a water surface as flow approaches a falls

RVF

GVF

RVF

GVF
RVF

GVF

RVF
GVF

Figure 4.7. Steady Non-uniform flow in a channel.

WATER-SURFACE PROFILES IN GRADUALLY VARIED FLOW

Water surface profiles are classified two different ways: according to the slope of the channel (mild,
steep, critical, horizontal, or adverse) and according to the actual depth of flow in relation to the
critical and normal depths (zone 1, 2, or 3). The first letter of the type of slope (M, S, C, H or A) in
combination with 1, 2, or 3 defines the type of surface profile.
If the slope is so small that the normal depth (uniform flow depth) is greater than critical depth for
the given discharge, then the slope of the channel is mild, and the water surface profile is given an
M classification. Similarly, if the channel slope is so steep that a normal depth less than critical is
produced, then the channel is steep, and the water surface profile is given an S designation. If the
slopes normal depth equals its critical depth, then we have a critical slope, denoted by C.
Horizontal and adverse slopes, denoted by H and A, respectively, are special categories because
normal depth does not exist for them. An adverse slope is characterized by a slope upward in the
flow direction. The 1, 2, and 3 designations of water surface profiles indicate if the actual flow depth
is greater than both normal and critical depths (zone 1), between the normal; and critical depths
(zone 2) or less than both normal and critical depths (zone 3). The basic shape of the various
possible profiles are shown in the Table 4.4.

Table 4.4. Types of Varied Flow

Problem:
1. A rectangular canal is 2.0m wide and carries 2.4m 3/s of water. The bed slope is 0.0009 and
the channel roughness n=0.012. At a certain section the depth is 0.90m and at another
section the depth is 1.20m.
a. Determine which depth is downstream
b. Determine the distance between sections with the given depths using one reach.
c. Determine the distance between the sections with the given depths using three
reaches.
2. Water discharges from under a sluice gate into a horizontal channel at a rate of 1m3/s per
meter of width as shown in the figure. What is the classification of the water surface
profile? Quantitatively evaluate the profile downstream of the gate and determine whether
or not it will extend all the way to the abrupt drop 80m downstream. Make the simplifying
assumption that the resistance factor f is equal to 0.02 and that the hydraulic radius R is
equal to the depth y.

3. A rectangular concrete channel 4.50m wide is carrying water. At an upstream point, the
depth of water is 1.50m and a downstream point 300m away, the depth of flow is 1.17m. If
the channel bed slope is 0.0010, find the theoretical flow rate. Use n=0.013.

1. A rectangular canal is 2.0m wide and carries 2.4 m 3/s of water. The bed slope is 0.0009 and the
channel roughness n=0.012. At a certain section the depth is 0.90m and at another section the
depth is 1.20m.
a. Determine which depth is downstream.
b. Determine the distance between sections with the given depths using one reach.
c. Determine the distance between the sections with the given depths using three reaches.
GIVEN: Q = 2.4 m3/s;

So = 0.0009;

n = 0.012

0.82

0.90
yc= 0.523

2m

1.20

SOLUTION:
a.)
@ Critical flow

Q 2.4

1.2m 3 /s per meter widt h of channel

b
2

Yc 3

q 2 3 1. 2 2

0.528m
g
9.81

Vc 9.810.528 2.276m / s
Ac bYc 20.528 1.056m 2

Pc b 2Yc 2 20.528 3.056m

Rc

Ac
Pc

1.056
0.346m
3.056

n 2Vc2 0.012 2.276

Sc 4 / 3
0.003071 So 0.0009
4/3
Rc
0.346
2

Flow is subcritical. Actual slope is mild.

@ Uniform flow

Ao bYo 2Yo
Po b 2Yo 2 2Yo
Ro
Q

Ao
Po

2Yo

2 2Yo

1
Ao Ro2 / 3 S 1 / 2
n

1
2Yo 2Yo
2.4
0.012
2 2Yo

2/3

0.0009 1 / 2

Yo5 / 3
0.48
1 Yo 2 / 3
Let M

Yo5 / 3

1 Yo 2 / 3

By Trial & error:

Assume

Yo

1.0
0.82

0.630
0.482

Yo =0.82m < 0.90m

Since Y > Yo > Yc and the slope is mild, the depth 1.20m is downstream of depth 0.90m. Type of
profile is M 1 .

b.) using one reach

@ Section 1:

0.90

Y1 0.90m

1.20

A1 bY1 20.90 1.80m 2

P1 b 2Y1 2 20.90 3.80m

1.80
0.474 m
3.80
Q
2.4
V1

1.333m / s
A1 1.80
R1

A1
P1

Then E1

1.333
0.90

2g

0.991m

@ Section 2:

Y2 1.20m

A2 bY2 21.20 2.40m 2

P2 b 2Y21 2 21.20 4.40m

2.40
0.545m
4.40
Q
2.4
V2

1m / s
A2 2.40
R2

A2
P2

Then E 2

1.0
1.20

2g

1.251m

Mean Velocity
V V2 1.333 1 1.167 m / s
Vm 1
2
2
Mean Hydraulic Radius
Rm

R1 R2 0.474 0.545 0.5095m

2

Slope

n 2Vm2 0.012 1.167

S 4/3
0.0004813
4/3
Rm
0.5095
Therefore,
0.991 1.251
x
620.96m
0.000481 0.0009
2

c.) using three reaches

@ Section 3:

Y3 1.0m

0.90

A3 bY3 21.0 2.0m 2

1.0

1.10

P3 b 2Y3 2 21.0 4.0m

2.0
0.50m
4.0
Q 2.4
V3

1.20m / s
A3 2.0
R3

A3
P3

Then E3

1.20
1.0

2g

1.073m

@ Section 4:

Y4 1.10m

A4 bY4 21.10 2.20m 2

P4 b 2Y4 2 21.10 4.20m

2.20
0.524 m
4.20
Q
2.4
V4

1.091m / s
A4 2.20
R4

A4
P4

x1

x2

x2

1.20

Then E4 1.1

1.0912
2g

1.161m

Mean Velocity
V V3 1.267 m / s
Vm1 1
2
V V4 1.145m / s
Vm 2 3
2
V V2 1.045m / s
Vm 3 4
2
Mean Hydraulic Radius
Rm1
Rm 2
Rm 3

R1 R3 0.487m

2
R R4 0.512 m
3
2
R R2 0.534 m
4
2

Slope

n 2Vm21 0.012 1.267

S1 4 / 3
0.000603
Rm1
0.487 4 / 3
2

n 2V 2
0.012 1.145 0.00046
S 2 4 /m32
Rm 2
0.512 4 / 3
2

n 2Vm23 0.012 1.045

S3 4 / 3
0.000363
Rm 3
0.534 4 / 3
2

Thus ,

x1

E1 E3
276.09m
S1 S o

x2

E3 E4
197.73m
S1 S o

x3

E4 E2
168.52m
S1 So

Therefore,

x 276.09 197.73 168.52

= .

2. Water discharges from under a sluice gate into a horizontal channel at a rate of 1m 3/s per meter of
width as shown in the figure. What is the classification of the water surface profile? Quantities
evaluate the profile downstream of the gate and determine whether or not it will extend all the way
to the abrupt drop 80m downstream. Make the simplifying assumption that the resistance factor f is
equal to 0.02 and that the hydraulic radius R is equal to the depth y.
GIVEN:
q=1m3/s per meter width
f=0.02
So=0
R=y
Ys=0.10m (depth of the flow from sluice gate)
10cm
SOLUTION:
Critical depth
80 m

q 2 3 12
Yc 3

g
9.81
Yc 0.467 m Ys 0.10m
(With horizontal bed slope, the water surface profile is classified as type H 3, see table 4.4)
Using direct step method

E1 E 2
S f So

n 2Vm2
Where: S f
(Manning Equation English Unit)
2.22 Rm4 / 3
fVm2
(Darcy-Weisbach Equation)
Sf
8gRm
Vm

Rm

V1 V2
2

R1 R2
2

V12
E1 y1
2g
Sample Computation:
Velocity, @ y=0.10m

q
1

10m / s
y 0.10
Using change in depth y o.o4m
V

y o.o4m

q
1

7.14m / s
y 0.14

0.1 0.14 100 51

2g

0.156 0

x 15.752 m

Section
No.

Depth,
y (m)

Velocity @
section, V
(m/s)

0.1

10

Mean
Velocity
in reach,
Vm

8.57
2

0.14

7.14
6.35

0.18

5.56
5.05

0.22

4.54
4.195

0.26

3.85
3.59

0.3

3.33
3.135

0.34

2.94

V1

100
73.4
51
40.3
30.9
25.5
20.6
17.6
14.8
12.9
11.1
9.8
8.6

Mean
Hydraulics
Radius,

=
=

2
8

1 2 +

(1 2 2 2 )

Distance
from gate
(m)

0
0.12

0.156

15.7
15.7

0.16

0.064

15.3
31.0

0.2

0.032

15.1
46.1

0.24

0.019

13.4
59.5

0.28

0.012

12.4
71.9

0.32

0.008

10.9
82.8

60

y (cm)
50
40
30

20
10
0
0

20

40

60

80

x (m)

100

80

120

3. A rectangular concrete channel 4.50m wide is carrying water. At an upstream point, the
depth of water is 1.50m downstream point 300m away, the depth of flow is 1.17m. if
the channel bed slope is 0.0010, find the theoretical flow rate. Use n=0.013.
1
y1 = 1.5 m

y2 = 1.17 m

4.50m

L
Solution:
=

22
+2
2

12
+1
2

2 2
2

+ 2

2 2
2

1 2
2

1 2
2

+ 1 =

+ = 1 2 +

@section 1
1 = 4.5 1.5 = 6.75 2
1 = 1 1 = 6.75 4.5 + (21.5) = 0.90
1 = 1 = /6.75 = 0.148
1 2
2

= 0.00112 2

..Eq.1

@section 2
2 = 4.5 1.17 = 5.265 2
2 = 2 2 = 5.265
4.5 + (21.17) = 0.77
2 = 2 = /6.75 = 0.19
2 2
2

= 0.0018 2

=
=
=

1 +2
0.9+0.77
=
= 0.835
2
2
1 +2
0.148+0.19
=
= 0.169
2
2
2

0.0130.169 2

2 3

0.835 2 3

= 0.00000614 2

From Eq.1
0.0018 2 0.00112 2 + 0.00000614 2 300 = 1.5 1.17 + 0.001(300)
= . /

HYDRAULIC JUMP
A hydraulic jump is a transition flow from supercritical to subcritical flow.

y2>yc
V1

y1 < yc

Hydraulic jump is one means of reducing the velocity of flow. It may also be used to separate lighter
solids from heavier ones.

HYDRAULIC JUMP IN A RECTANGULAR CHANNEL

V2
y1

V1

y2

y2
y1

Consider a freebody of water containing hydraulic jump

W

F2
F1
P1 = y1

P2 = y2

Considering the Impulse-Momentum Equation

= () ()
= ( ) ( )
1 2 = 2 2 1 1
where: Ef = neglected (if distance between sections is relatively small)

Then,

1 =

1

2 1 1

1
2

1 1 =

1
2

1 2

2 =

1

2 2 2

1
2

2 2 =

1
2

2 2

2
1
2

1 2 2 2 = 2 2 2 1 1 2

1
2

1 2 2 2 = ( 2 )2 2 ( 1 )1 2

1
2

1 2 2 2 = 2 2 2 1 1 2

2 2 0 =

1 2

2 2 2

1 1 1

From continuity equation

1 = 2
1 1 = 1 1
1 1 = 2 2
=

Substitute values
1
2
1
2
1
2

1 2

= 2

1 2 1 2
2

1 2 2 2 = 1 2 1
1 2 2 2 =

1 2 1
2

1 2 1 + 2 =

1
2

1 + 2 =

1 2

1
2

1 2 1
2

1 1 2

1 2 1
2

1 2

But
1 =
2
1 2

1
2

1
2
1

1 + 2

ENERGY LOST AND POWER LOST IN A JUMP

Energy Equation 1 2
1

+ 1 +

1 2
2

+ 2 +

2 2

1 2
2 2
1 +
= 2 +
+
2
2
1 = 2 +
=
Power Lost:

energy head lost

Depth of Hydraulic Jump

Solve for y2: consider the equation:
2 =

1 2 1 + 2

2 1 + 2 =

2 2
1
2 2
1

2 2 + 1 2 =

2
1
1
2

2 2 + 1 2 +
2 +
2 +

1
2
1
2

2 2

1
1

= 1

2 2
1
2
1
1
4

+
2

8 2
1 3

+1

Extract the square root:

2 +

2 1

2 =
2 =

2 1

2 1

2 1

8 2
1 3

2 1

1 +

+1

8 2
1 3

8 2
1 3

+1

+1

2
1
1
2

But

2
1

Hence, =

2
2

22
2
1 3

2 1 2 1 2
2
1 3

+ +

1 2
1

= 2

1 > 1

Likewise,
=

+ +

2 < 1

HYDRAULIC JUMP IN A NON-RECTANGULAR SECTION

y2

y1

yc2
yc1

section thru 1 - 1

y2
y1

section thru 2 - 2

Impulse-Momentum Equation:
= () ()
1 2 = 2 2 1 1
1 1 2 2 0 =

2 2 2 1 1 1

1 1 2 2 = 2 2 2 1 1 2
Continuity Equation:
1 = 2
1 1 = 1 1
2 =

1 1
2

1 1 2 2 = 2

1 2 1 2
2 2

1 1 2

1 1 2 2 = 1 1 2

1
2

1 1 2 2 = 1 1 2

1 2
2

or

*Another solution
= ( ) ( )
1 2 = 2 2 1 1
1 1 2 2 =
1 1 2 2 =
1 1 2 2 =

2 2 2 1 1 2

1 2

2 1

1
1

1. Water flows in a rectangular channel with a width of 4.0 m at a uniform depth of 1.2 m. Adjustment is
made downstream to raise water level to 2.0 m. consequently causing hydraulic jump.
a. Calculate the discharge in the canal.
b. Determine the power lost in a jump.

2.0 m
1.2 m

1.2 m

Solution:
a.) 2 =

2 =

1
2

1 2 1 + 2
(9.81)(1.2)(2) 1.2 + 2

= 6.138 3
= = 6.138 4
= .

b.) Power Lost,

=
= 1 2
where

1 = 1 +

2 = 2 +

1 2
2

= 1.2 +

=2+

24.55 2
1.2 (4)

24 .55 2
2 (4)

= 2.480

= 2.533 2.480 = 0.053

Thus,

= = (9.81)(24.55)(0.053)
= .

= 2.533

2. A hydraulic jump occurs in a 5 m wide rectangular canal carrying 6 m 3/s on a slope of 0.005. the depth
after the jump is 1.4m.
a.) Calculate the depth before the jump.
b.) Calculate the power lost in a jump.

y2 = 1.4 m

y1 =?

Given: b= 5 m
S= 0.005
3
Q= 6 m /s
yafter= 1.4 m
Solution:
a.)
2 = 2 = 5 1.4 = 7 2
2 =

= 0.857 /

2
7
2
2 =
=
2

0.857
9.81 x 1.4

= 0.23 < 1

There is a hydraulic jump that occurs. And the depth before the jump is
1 =

2 2

1
2

82 2 + 1 = (1.4) 1 +

1 +

= .
b.)

1 =

6
5 x 0.136

= 8.82 /

1 = 1 +

1 2
2

= 0.136 +

2 = 2 +

2 2
2

= 1.4 +

8.82 2
2

0.857 2
2

Therefore,
= 1 2
= 4.1 1.44 = 2.66
Thus,
=
= 9.81(6)(2.66)
= .

= 4.1

= 1.44

8(0.23)2 + 1

3. A rectangular canal has a width of 4.0m and carries water at the rate of 12m 3/s. its bed slope is
0.0003 and roughness is 0.02. To control the flow, a sluice gate is provided at the entrance to
the canal.
a. Determine whether a hydraulic jump would occur when the sluice gate is adjusted so
that minimum depth after the gate is 0.40 m.
b. If a hydraulic jump would occur in letter (a), how far from the sluice gate will it occur?

ys=0.4
0m

y1=depth req.
cause a jump

to

yo

Given: Q = 2m3/s;

b = 4m;

n = 0.02 ;

So = 0.0003

Solution:

12
= = = 3 3

4
@critical flow
=

1 3

32
9.81

1 3

= 0.972

= = 4 0.972 = 3.887 2
= + 2 = 4 + 2 0.972 = 5.944

= = 0.654
=
=

2 2
4 3

= 3.087

0.002 2 3.087 2
0.654 4 3

= 0.006715 > So = 0.0003

@Normal depth
= = 4
= + 2 = 4 + 2 = 2(2 + )

4
2
= =
=

2(2+ )
2
3

12 =
2.812 =

1
2

(2+ )

1
4
0.02
5 3
(2+

1
2
3
0.00032
(2+ )

)2 3

Trial and error: Assume

let =

5 3
(2+ )2 3

y
M
1.0
0.481
3.053 2.182
= 3.053

Depth required to cause a jump:

1

1 = 1 +
2

8 2 + 1

where

2 =
1 =

1
2

3
053

1 +

8 0.032

12

12
= 0.983 /
4(3.053 )
0.983 2
= 0.032
9.81 3.053

+ 1 = 0.184 < = 0.40

" "

yo

> >
yc

4. A rectangular channel has a width of 5m, so=0.0009 and n=0.012. its uniform flow depth is
1.60m. if a sluice gate is adjusted such that a min. depth immediately downstream of the gate is
0.50m.
a. Determine whether a hydraulic jump would occur, and if it occurs
b. how far downstream will it occur
c. type of profile

ys=0.50m
x

y1

yo=1.60
m

Solution:
a.) @ normal depth, yo=1.60 m
= = 5 1.60 = 8 2
= + 2 = 4 + 2 1.60 = 8.20

8
= =
= 0.976

8.20
1
1
= 2 3 1 2 =
(0.976)2 3 (0.0009)1 2

0.012
2
2.46 2
2
=
=
= 0.385

9.81 1.60

= 2.46 /

Depth required to cause a jump

1

1 = 1 + 8 2 + 1 =

1.60 1 + 8 0.385

+ 1 = 0.816

1 = 0.816 > = 0.5

@ critical flow
= 8 2.46 = 19.68 3 /
= 19.68 5 = 3.936 3 /
=

1 3

3.936 2
9.81

1 3

= 1.16 < = 1.60

b.) distance between ys=0.50 m to y1=0.816 m using one reach

= 1

Mean velocities:

1 =

Mean

4 3

1 = 1 +

19.68

= 7.872 /

5(0.5)
19.68

= 4.824 /

= +

1
5(0.816)
1
= + 1 = 6.348 /
2

5(0.5)
hydraulic radius: = =
= 0.417

5+2(0.5)

5(0.816)
1 = 1 =
= 0.615
1
5+2(0.816)
1
= + 1 = 0.516
2
2 2
(0.012)2 (6.348)2

Then, =

Thus,

..
..

c.) Type of profile

Since > > ,

= 0.014
(0.516)4 3
2
(7.872)2
= 0.5 +
= 3.658
2
2
1 2
(4.824)2
2

= 0.816 +

= .

= 2.002

5. Examine the flow conditions in a very long 10ft wide open rectangular channel of rubble
masonry with n=0.017 when the flow rate is 400cfs. The channel slope is 0.020 and an ogee weir
5ft high with Cw=3.80 are located at the downstream end of the channel.

yn

Solutions:
Normal depth of flow in the channel,
=

1.48

400 =

2/3 1/2

1.49

x10

0.017

2
3

10

(0.020)

10+2

1
2

yn

By trial and error:

= 2.36 .

Critical depth: =

2
2

1
3

1
3

400 2
10 2 32.2

= 3.67

Since yn < yc , the flow is supercritical. The head required on the weir to discharge:
=

3
2

400 = 3.80x10 +

3
2 2
400
5+ x10

64.4

By trial and error, = 4.53

depth of water upstream weir is 9.53 which is greater than yc.
The flow @ this point is subcritical & hydraulic jump must occur upstream. The depth y2 after
the jump is:
2 =

2.36
2

2.36 2
4

400 2

2 23.6 x2.36
32.2

1/2

= 5.42

The distance from the weir to the jump

= 5.42
= 400/54 = 7.39/
= 9.53
= 400/97.4 = 4.20/
= (VA + VB )/2 = 5.74 ft/sec
= 2.95 ft
= 0.017x5.79 2 (1.486x2.490)4 3 = 0.00104
=

5.42+0.859.530.27
0.00104 0.02

2
= 4.45
2

= 186.18 ft

2
= 0.85
2

2
= 0.26
2

EGL
4.53 ft

2.36 ft

5.40 ft

5 ft

186.18 ft

2 2 = 0.85
2 2 = 0.27

6. A hydraulic jump occurs in a trapezoidal section with bottom width of 4m and side slope of 1:2. The
depth before the jump is 1.20m and after the jump is 1.80m.
a.) Calculate the flow rate in the canal.
b.) Calculate the power lost.
2

y2 = 1.80m

y1 = 1.20m

1 3

1 2

2 3

2 2

1.80
1.20

2 1

1 1
4m

4m

Solution:
1 = + 21 2

2 2 = 4 1.8 0.90 + 2

2 2 = 7.452 2

1
2
1
2

1 =

1
2

0.60 + 1.20)

1 2 =

9.81(8.82) 7.452 3.168

5.52
8.825.52

1 = 5.52 2

1 = 4.511 /

2 = 21 + 222

a.) Flow rate in canal

1 = 1 1 = 5.52 4.511

1
2

2 =

1
2

0.901.80 0.60)

1 = 0.60

1 = 4 1.20 + 2(

= 20.349

= . /
2 = 0.90

2 = 4 1.80 + 2(

1
2

0.90 1.80)

b.) Power Lost, =

= 1 2

2 = 8.82 2

where 1 = 1 +
1 1 = 1 1 1 1 + 21 2 1 2
1 1 = 1.204

0.60 +

1
2

2( 0.60 1.2)(0.40)

2 = 2 +

1 2
2
2 2
2

= 1.2 +
= 1.8 +

1 1 = 3.168 2

=
= 9.81(24.9)(0.031)
= .

2 2 = 2 1 2 1 + 22 2 2 2

2.823 2
2

= 2.237
= 2.206

Then, = 2.237 2.206 = 0.031

Therefore,

1 1 = 2.88 + 0.288

4.5112
2