See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: [Link]

net/publication/273758151

Development of analytical equation for alternate depths for flow in

Technical Report · January 2012

CITATIONS READS

0 4,800

1 author:

Sushil K. Singh
National Institute of Hydrology
244 PUBLICATIONS 1,635 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Sushil K. Singh on 19 March 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Development of analytical equation for alternate depths for

flow in rectangular channels

National Institute of Hydrology

Jal Vigyan Bhawan

Roorkee-247 667

(2011-12)

1
 Preface

Alternate depths are defined as the depths of flow in open channels for which the specific

energy is the same. Solution to problems concerning transition in the width and bottom of the

channels requires computation of alternate depths. The analytical solution of the energy

equation will do away with the trial and error procedure being used by field engineers and

practitioners.

In the present report “Development of analytical equation for alternate depths for flow in

rectangular channels,” completed and prepared during the year 2011-12 by Dr. Sushil K.

Singh, Scientist F of this Institute as a regular work programme of Water Resources System

Division, a handy generalized analytical equation for easy and direct computation of the

alternate depths for flow in rectangular open-channel has been derived by analytically solving

the governing specific energy equation. The generalized solution/equation yields both

alternate depths from the known value of the non-dimensional specific energy. Dr. Singh has

also obtained several useful equations utilizing the new generalized equation. The derived

equation would be helpful in practical studies dealing with the open-channel flows, especially

in the cases of transitions in width and bottom elevation of the channel.

(R. D. Singh)

Director

2
 Abstract

Novel generalized analytical solution of non-dimensional specific energy equation for

steady flow in rectangular open channels is obtained, which enable direct and explicit

calculation of the alternate depths for a given non-dimensional specific energy. The

generalized solution/equation yields only three particular solutions out of which only two

solutions giving positive values for the depth of flow are of practical significance. These

solutions of practical significance pertain to the alternate depths. Various analytical results

concerning the flow properties are obtained using the developed equations. Equations

available in the literature are shown to be derivable from the proposed new solution. A handy

analytical equation for easy and direct computation of the alternate depths for flow in

rectangular open-channel flow has been derived by analytically solving the governing

specific energy equation.

The new solution is compact (handy), computationally simple, and useful to the field

engineers and practitioners in directly solving the problems of transitions in width and

elevation of the channel bottom, flow over spillways and hydraulic jump, and length of the

stilling basins. It is hoped that, these solutions would possibly end the persistent search for a

long time for handy generalized analytical solutions of the specific energy and specific force

equations in a rectangular open-channel.

3
 Content

Item Page no.

Preface 2
Abstract 3
Content 4
1.0 Introduction 5
2.0 Analytical Solution for Alternate Depths 7
3.0 Application 13
3.1 Change in width of channel 13
3.2 Change in bottom elevation of channel 14
4.0 Conclusion 15
Refeferences 16

4
1.0 Introduction

The alternate and sequent depths, respectively, are the solutions of specific energy and

specific force equations for the steady flow in an open channel. Two alternate depths and two

sequent depths exist for a given discharge through a rectangular section. The two alternate

depths yield the same value of the specific energy. Quantification of the alternate depths is

required for the solution of practical problems such as abrupt transitions in the width of the

channel section and elevation of the bed of the channel, and flow through a sluice gate or

over a spillway. There also exists, in a mathematical sense, a singular section of open channel

for which alternate and sequent depths are nonexistent (Swamee, 2007); however, in this

paper, rectangular section is considered. Although criticized by Liggett (1993), hydrostatic

pressure distribution and uniform velocity distribution across the depth of flow are assumed

in this paper. Hydrostatic pressure distribution and uniform velocity distribution across the

depth of flow are assumed in this paper. The longitudinal slope and frictional force of the

channel-bed have been considered negligible assuming steady flow for obtaining the

analytical solutions given in this paper. The analytical solutions apart from being elegant

provide a better understanding of the dependence of the solution variable on the parameters

and other dependent variables; it also provide further mathematical and analytical treatments

on the subject, e.g., Singh (2009).

Writing the expression for specific energy in terms of the depth of flow and equating it to

a specified value of the specific energy of flow, the two alternate depths (one less than and

the other greater than the critical flow depth corresponding to a given flow discharge through

the channel) are conventionally obtained using a trial and error method. Application of

alternate depths occurs in dealing with the transitions in a channel-section. Determination of

the alternate depths using graphical methods (Vittal, 1978) involves subjectivity. Jain (2001)

prefers to give tabulated values of the depths of flow and associated specific energy, which

5
requires a double-interpolation to obtain the alternate depths for a given specific energy.

Tabulated values of the depths of flow and associated specific energy require a double-

interpolation to obtain the alternate depths for a given specific energy. Analytical solutions

for alternate depth available in literature are not generalized and require one alternate depths

to be known to calculate the other alternate depth. Also, these solutions provide two different

equations for sub-critical and super-critical depths of flow. In this paper, a single unified and

generalized equation (solution) in a closed form for alternate depths has been obtained.

The expression for specific force when written in terms of the depth of flow and equated

to the specified value of the specific force of flow, the two sequent depths (one less than and

the other greater than the critical flow depth corresponding to a given flow discharge through

the channel) is conventionally obtained using a trial and error method. Application of sequent

depths occurs in dealing with a hydraulic jump that is used for the dissipation of energy of

flow. No generalized analytical solution is currently available for the sequent depths

corresponding to a given specific force of flow in a rectangular open-channel. In this paper, a

closed form single unified equation (solution) for the sequent depths for a given specific force

of flow is obtained.

6
2.0 Analytical Solution for Alternate Depths

The energy of flow per unit weight of water with respect to the channel bottom at a section of

a rectangular section is given by

q2
E h (1)
2gh2

Q
q (2)
b

where Q = constant discharge through the channel section [L3T-1]; q = constant specific

discharge (discharge per unit width) through the channel section [L2T-1]; b = constant width

of the channel section [L]; h = depth of flow or pressure head [L]; E = specific hydraulic head

(total hydraulic head specified with respect to the channel bottom, i.e., sum of pressure and

velocity heads) or total energy (potential and kinetic energies) of flow at the channel section

per unit weight of water specified with respect to the channel bottom [L]; and g =

acceleration due to gravity [LT-2]. In open-channel hydraulics, E given by Eq. (1) is

commonly known as specific energy of flow. In hydraulic engineering, we generally and

conveniently use hydraulic head (or simply head) to express the energy of static or flowing

fluid, which is the energy per unit weight of the fluid. There exists a critical depth of flow for

which the specific energy of flow is minimum:

1/ 3
q
hc    (3)
g

where hc = critical depth of flow [L]. The specific head or specific energy of flow that

corresponds to the critical depth is given by

3
Ec  hc (4)
2

where Ec = critical specific energy of flow [L]. Dividing E by Ec and h by hc, Eq. (1) is

written as

7
2h*3  3E*h*2  1  0 (5)

E
E*  (6)
Ec

h
h*  (7)
hc

where E* = non-dimensional specific energy of flow [non-dimensional]; h* = non-

dimensional depth of flow [non-dimensional]. Solution of Eq. (5) yields the depths of flow

(alternate depths) that corresponds to a given specific energy of flow. The generalized

analytical solution of Eq. (5) is obtained as

1
  nπ 
h*  2 E* sin   (1) n θ  ; n  0, 1, 2, ...... (8)
  3 

where

1  1 
θ  sin 1  3 / 2  (9)
3  E* 

where n = an integer [non-dimensional]. The analytical solution given by Eq. (8) is

generalized, handier, and computationally simple. For different values of n, Eq. (8) yields

only three distinct solutions:

(h* )1 
h1
hc

 2 E* sin θ1
(10)

1
h  π 
( h* ) 2  2  2 E* sin   θ  (11)
hc  3 

1
 π 
( h* )3   2 E* sin   θ  (12)
 3 

where h1 = sub-critical depth of flow for a specified specific energy [L]; and h2 = super-

critical depth of flow for a specified specific energy [L]. Eq. (10) is obtained from Eq. (8) for

n = 0, 3, 6, 9, ….; Eq. (11) is obtained for n = 1, 2, 7, 8, …..; and Eq. (12) is obtained for n =

8
4, 5, 10, 11,…..Eqs. (10) and (11) give positive depths of flow, which are of practical

significance; Eq. (12) gives a negative depth of flow, which is not of practical significance.

For E*  1 , both Eqs. (10) and (11) yield h*  1 (critical flow condition); for E*  1 , Eq. (10)

yields h*  1 (sub-critical flow condition) and Eq. (11) yields h*  1 (super-critical flow

condition). The positive h* is uniquely related to E* [Eq. (9)].

For the critical flow condition, the Froude number is unity, while for sub-critical and

super-critical flow conditions, it is less than and greater than unity, respectively. The Froude

number is given by

Fr  h*3 / 2 (13)

Substituting Eq. (8) in Eq. (13):

 nπ 
Fr  (4 E* )3 / 4 sin 3 / 2   (1) n θ , n  0, 1, 2,.... (14)
 3 

The two positive values of the Froude number as obtained from Eq. (14) [or Eqs. (10),

(11), and (13)] are given by

( Fr )1  (4 E* )3 / 4 sin 3/2 θ (15)

π 
( Fr ) 2  (4 E* )3 / 4 sin 3/2   θ  (16)
3 

where (Fr)1 = Froude number corresponding to the subcritical flow condition [non-

dimensional]; and (Fr)2 = Froude number corresponding to the supercritical flow condition

[non-dimensional]. Eqs. (15) and (16) shows that the two positive Froude numbers (sub-

critical and super-critical Froude numbers, jointly they can be termed alternate Froude

numbers) are uniquely related to the specific energy of flow. Eqs. (15) and (16) can be used

to find the alternate Froude numbers for a specified non-dimensional specific energy.

Dividing Eq. (10) by Eq. (11) and using Eq. (13):

9
(h* )1 ( Fr )12 / 3 h1 1
  
(h* ) 2 ( Fr )1 2 / 3 h2 2
 3 cot θ  1 (17)

The ratio of the alternate depths or alternate Froude numbers is uniquely related to the

specified non-dimensional specific energy [Eq. (17)]. Eq. (17) can be used to find ratio of the

alternate depths or Froude numbers for a specified non-dimensional specific energy.

Alternatively, from Eqs. (10) and (11), one obtains:

 
(h* )1 sin θ  (h* ) 2 sin  θ  (18)
3 

 
h1 sin θ  h2 sin  θ  (19)
3 

If one alternate depth is known, the other alternate depth can be calculated by using Eqs.

(18) and (19).

Inverting Eq. (17):

  1  2(h* )1     1   2( F )   2 / 3  
2/3
E*  cosec 2/3
3 cot  
1
 1   cosec 3 cot   
1 r 1
  1  (20)
 3 ( )    3  ( ) 
  * 2 h    r 2 
F
 

The product of the non-dimensional alternate depths is obtained as

π 
(h* )1 (h* ) 2  [( Fr )1 ( Fr ) 2 ] 2 / 3  E*1 / 2 sin   θ  (21)
3 

For a given nondimensional alternate depth or Froude number, the nondimensional

specific energy can be obtained by using:

2(h* )13  1 2(h* )32  1 ( Fr )12  2 ( Fr )12  2

Once the value of E* is obtained, Eq. (21) or Eqs. (10) (if the given h* < 1) or Eq. (11) (if

the given h* > 1) can be used to calculate the other nondimensional alternate depth or Froude

number; alternatively, Eqs. (17)-(19) can be used.

The sum of the nondimensional alternate depths is obtained as

10
 π 
(h* )1  (h* ) 2  2 E* sin 2   θ  (23)
3 

From Eqs. (21) and (23):

(h* )1  (h* ) 2  2(h* )12 (h* )22 (24a)

Eq. (24a) can be written in terms of alternate depths and critical depth as

3
 2h 2 h 2 
hc   1 2  (24b)
 (h1  h2 ) 

Eq. (24b) appears in Chow (1959, p.59) as a problem exercise.

From Eq. (5):

2 1 
E*  (h* )1  (h* ) 2   (25)
3 2(h* )1 (h* ) 2 

Substituting Eq. (24) into Eq. (25):

2 1 
E*  ( h* )1  ( h* ) 2    (26)
3  2( h* )1  ( h* ) 2  

2 1 
E*   2(h* )12 (h* ) 22  (27)
3 2(h* )1 (h* ) 2 

For a given sum or product of the non-dimensional alternate depths for a specified non-

dimensional specific energy, Eq. (26) or (27) can be used to calculate the value of E*.

Alternatively, for a given sum or product of the non-dimensional alternate depths, both sum

and product of the non-dimensional alternate depths can be obtained using Eq. (24) and the

difference between the non-dimensional alternate depths, which is of much practical

significance , can be calculated by using:

(h* )1  (h* )2   2 (h* )14 (h* ) 42  (h* )1 (h* ) 2 (28)

Once the sum and difference of the non-dimensional alternate depths are known, separate

non-dimensional alternate depths can easily be calculated solving the equations for the sum

11
and difference of the non-dimensional alternate depths. However, the former procedure is

more elegant as it yields direct solutions and no equation needs to be solved.

The sum or product of the non-dimensional alternate depths is directly related to the

arithmetic and geometric mean of the non-dimensional alternate depths. Eq. (24) shows that

the harmonic mean of the non-dimensional alternate depths is also directly related to the sum

or product of the non-dimensional alternate depths. Therefore, with the analytical

development presented above, the separate non-dimensional alternate depths can be

calculated from the given arithmetic, geometric or harmonic mean of the non-dimensional

alternate depths.

From Eq. (24b), the discharge through the channel section is obtained as

h1h2
Q  Cd 2 g B (29)
h1  h2 
where Cd = coefficient of discharge [nondimensional]. For the ideal case that is discussed in

this paper, Cd = 1.

12
3.0 Application

3.1 Change in width of channel

Example 1
Water is flowing in a 4m wide rectangular channel at a depth of 2m with a velocity of 1.5m/s.

If the width of the channel is contracted to 2m, what will be the depth of flow u/s and d/s of

the transition?

Using Eq. (3) and (4), one obtains hc1 = 0.9717m (subscript 1 refers to u/s), and Ec1 =

1.4576m; and using Eq. (1), E = 2.1147m is obtained, which yields E*1 = 1.4508. At d/s q =

4x1.5x2/2 = 6m2/s, and Ec2 = 2.3137m are obtained yielding unrealistic value (<1) of E*2 =

2.1147/2.3137 = 0.914 as specific energy is minimum and discharge is maximum at critical

condition, hence this value should be ≥ 1. Therefore, critical flow will be there at d/s with

choked condition (passing reduced discharge corresponding to E = 2.3137m) and heading up

of water will take place at u/s with subcritical flow there corresponding to a new value of E*1

= 2.3137/1.4576 = 1.5873. For this modified value of E*1, subcritical flow depth is obtained

using Eq. (10) as modified h1 = 2.2205m. It is obvious that the above illustration does not

involve any trial and error procedure. The conventional method of trial and error yields

modified h1 = 2.2205m.

Example 2
The flow through a rectangular channel with bottom width as 5m has E = 6m for a discharge

of 50m3/s. Find the alternate depths.

For the given data, hc = 2.1683m, and Ec = 3.2524m are obtained using Eqs. (3) and

(4), which yield E* = 1.8448. Then Eqs. (10) and (11) yields respectively sub-critical and

super critical alternate depths as h1 = 5.8512m, and h2 = 1.0107m.

13
3.2 Change in bottom elevation of channel

Example 3
In a 4m wide rectangular channel, water flows at a depth of 2m with discharge of 16m3/s. At

d/s the reduced width is 3.5 m and the channel bed is raised by 0.20m. Find the depth of flow

in the transitions.

For the above data, hc = 1.1771m, and Ec = 1.7657m are obtained using Eqs. (3) and

(4). Using Eq. (1), E = 2.2039m is obtained, which yields E*1 = 1.2482. At d/s due to

reduced width q = 16/3.5 = 4.5714m2/s, hc = 1.2866, and Ec2 = 1.9299m are obtained yielding

realistic value (>1) of E*2 = (2.2039-0.20)/1.9299 = 1.0383. Since at u/s the flow is super-

critical, sub-critical flow will occur at d/s corresponding to E*2 = 1.0383. For this value of

E*1, sub-critical flow depth is obtained using Eq. (10) as h2 = 1.5740m.

14
4.0 Conclusion

A new generalized analytical equation for obtaining alternate depths in rectangular channels

for a given non-dimensional specific energy has been derived by analytically solving the

governing specific energy equation. The new generalized equation yields two distinct

equations that are identifiable for sub-critical and super-critical alternate depths. The new

analytical equation is in closed form, handy, and computationally simple and directly yields

the alternate depths. With the use of the proposed equations, the conventional method

involving trial and error procedure can be avoided in solving the problems related to the

transition in the width and bottom elevation of the channel, flow over spillways and under

sluice gate. Utilizing the proposed analytical solution, several useful equations of practical

significance have been derived. It is hoped that the proposed new equations would be of help

to field and practicing engineers.

15
 References

Chow, V. T. (1959), Open-channel hydraulics, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Jain, S. C. (2001a). Open-channel flow, Wiley, New York, 98-101.

Liggett, J. A. (1993). “Critical depth, velocity profiles, and averaging.” J. Irrig. Drain. Eng.,

119(2), 416-422.

Singh, S. K. (2009). “Generalized analytical solution for groundwater head in a horizontal

aquifer in the presence of subsurface drains.” J. Irrig. Drain. Eng.,135(-), .

Swamee, P. K. (2007). “Singular section of open-channel for alternate and sequent depths.” J.

Hydraul. Eng., 133(5), 569-570.

Vittal, N. (1978). “Direct solution to problems of open channel transitions.” J. Hydraul. Div.,

104(11), 1488.

16

View publication stats