Open Channel Flow: the Manning Equation and Uniform Flow

For any open channel flow, the flowing liquid has a free surface at atmospheric pressure and the driving force is gravity. Open channel flow takes place in natural channels like rivers and streams. It also occurs in manmade channels such as those used to transport wastewater and in circular sewers flowing partially full. In this course, several aspects of open channel flow are presented, discussed, and illustrated with examples. The main topic of the course is uniform open channel flow, in which the channel slope, liquid velocity, and liquid depth remain constant.

Topics: Methods of Classifying Open Channel Flow Steady State of Unsteady State Flow Laminar or Turbulent Flow Uniform or Non-uniform Flow Supercritical, Subcritical or Critical Flow Calculations for Uniform Open Channel Flow The Manning Equation The Manning Roughness Coefficient The Reynold's Number The Hydraulic Radius The Manning Equation in S.I. Units The Manning Equation in Terms of V Instead of Q The Easy Parameters to Calculate with the Manning Equation The Hard Parameter to Calculate - Determination of Normal Depth Circular Pipes Flowing Full or Partially Full Uniform Flow in Natural Channels.

Publication Source: Harlan H. Bengtson, PhD, PE