Open Channel Flow

Open Channel Flow
Open-Channel Flow Definition
Open channel flow also called free gravity flow, is the flow of water induced by the effect of
gravity. The surface of the flowing liquid is at atmospheric pressure and free to air. The
example of open channel flow includes flow in canal, river etc. However, open channel flow
example also includes half-closed pipe flow under the influence of gravity and flow at
atmospheric pressure. The difference between open channel flow and pressurized flow can be
summarized as:
1. In open channel flow, the liquid has free surface.
2. Open channel flow is subjected to gravity and atmospheric pressure.
3. Open channel flow is always under the action of gravity.
On the basis of cross-section, the open channel can be classified as natural channel in which
the cross-section varies with length (e.g. river and streams etc) and man made channel in
which the cross-section does not change significantly over length and intended to carry water
for various purposes. The manmade channel further classified as rectangular channel,
triangular channel, parabolic channel, circular channel and trapezoidal channel.
Types of Flows in Open Channel
Open channel are classified in to following classes depending on the relative change in the
flow regime with respect to time and space.
(a) Steady Flow and Unsteady Flow
If the flow characteristics do not change over time at any point, the flow is called steady flow
whereas if the flow characteristics are changed with time, the flow is called unsteady flow.
Mathematically, for steady flow the conditions ∂v/∂t and ∂v/∂x should be equal to zero and
vice-versa for unsteady flow.
(b) Uniform Flow and Non-Uniform Flow
The flows are classified under these classes when space is considered as the criteria. When
the depth of flow is unchanged over different section of the channel, the flow called as
uniform flow. Whereas the depth of flow changes with section, the flow classified as varied
flow. Fig 1 shows the uniform flow and the varied flow. The varied flow is further classified
as rapidly varied flow (RVF) and gradually varied flow (GVF). In case of RVF, the flow
changes abruptly over a short distance such as hydraulic jump. In case GVF, the flow
changes gradually over the length in a long reach of the channel, such as irrigation canal
network.
Fig. 9.1 Uniform flow and non-uniform (Varied) flow.
The following figure describes the classification of flow in different section of channel. The
flow characteristics are changed due to different flow conditions are illustrated in the Fig.2.
Fig. 9.2 Variation in flow characteristics due to change in flow conditions
(c) Laminar and Turbulent Flow
The Reynolds number (Re) is used to characterize the flow as laminar, turbulent or in
transition state. The Reynolds number is defined as the ratio of viscous force to inertia force.
If Re is less than 500, the flow is laminar, for Re in between 500 to 2000, the flow is in
transitional state and the flow is turbulent if Re is greater than 2000 (Modi and Seth, 1991).
The reynold number is given as
Where, Re is the reynold number, ρ is mass density of water, v is mean velocity of water R is
hydraulic radius and µ is absolute viscocity. The hydraulic radius, R, also called as hydraulic
mean depth, is the ratio of wetted area to its wetted perimeter.
Fig. 9.3 Laminar, transitional and turbulent flow
In laminar flow the fluid particles will appear to move in definite smooth paths or
streamlines. Laminar flow is known to occur in shallow overland or sheet flow conditions.
Turbulent flow is the most common type occurring in open channel drainage facilities, it is
the type considered for most hydraulic procedures.
(d) Subcritical, Critical and Super Critical Flow
The regimes of flow which may be present in an open channel are subcritical flow, critical
flow and supercritical flow. This flow regime which exists under a given set of conditions
may be determined by calculation of the Froude Number. The Froud number defines the
relative effect of gravity and inertia forces causing water to flow and is expressed as:
Where is Froud number, is mean velocity of flow and is hydraulic depth. Hydraulic depth is
defined as the ratio of wetted area to the top width.
Subcritical flow: exists when the Froude Number is less than 1.0. Subcritical flow is
characterized by low velocities and large depths. When a channel is operating in the
subcritical flow regime, the formation of a hydraulic jump is not possible. If the channel
cross-section and the discharge are constant, then the regime of flow becomes a function of
the slope of the channel. In this case, the slope of the channel defines the flow regime and the
slope may be referred to as either subcritical slope, critical slope, or supercritical slope. In
order for subcritical flow to occur, the channel slope must also be subcritical. Critical flow
will occur when the Froude Number is equal to 1.0. For a given channel cross section and
discharge, critical flow will occur when the channel slope is equal to the critical slope. =
velocity distribution coefficient.
Supercritical Flow: Supercritical flow will occur when the Froude Number is greater than
1.0. Supercritical flow is characterized by high velocities and shallow depths. When a
channel is operating in the supercritical regime, the formation of a hydraulic jump is possible.
A hydraulic jump will occur when the flow regime changes from supercritical to subcritical
in a short distance. For example, a hydraulic jump will occur in a channel if the channel slope
abruptly changes from a supercritical value to a subcritical value.

Open Channel Flow

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Open Channel Flow

Open-Channel Flow Definition

1. In open channel flow, the liquid has free surface.

2. Open channel flow is subjected to gravity and atmospheric pressure.

3. Open channel flow is always under the action of gravity.

Types of Flows in Open Channel

(a) Steady Flow and Unsteady Flow

Fig. 9.1 Uniform flow and non-uniform (Varied) flow.

(c) Laminar and Turbulent Flow

(d) Subcritical, Critical and Super Critical Flow

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