3.

GRADUALLY-VARIED FLOW (GVF) AUTUMN 2020

3.1 Normal Flow vs Gradually-Varied Flow

EGL (en
V 2 /2g
ergy gra
de line)
Friction
slope Sf
h

Geome
tric slop
e S0

In normal flow the downslope component of weight balances bed friction. As a result, the water
depth ℎ and velocity 𝑉 are constant and the total-head line (or energy grade line) is parallel to
both the water surface and the channel bed; i.e. the friction slope 𝑆𝑓 is the same as the geometric
slope 𝑆0 .

GVF RVF GVF RVF GVF RVF GVF RVF GVF UF

sluice hydraulic
gate weir change
jump
of slope

As a result of disturbances due to hydraulic structures (weir, sluice, etc.) or changes to channel
width, slope or roughness the downslope component of weight may not locally balance bed
friction. As a result, the friction slope 𝑆𝑓 and bed slope 𝑆0 will be different and the water depth
ℎ and velocity 𝑉 will change along the channel.

The gradually-varied-flow equation gives an expression for dℎ⁄d𝑥 and allows one to predict
the variation of water depth along the channel.

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 1 Dr David Apsley

3.2 Derivation of the Gradually-Varied-Flow Equation
zs
Provided the pressure distribution is hydrostatic g
then, at any streamwise location 𝑥:
𝑝 zb h h cos 
+ 𝑧 = 𝑧𝑠 (𝑥)
ρ𝑔
The total head is 

𝑉2 𝑉2
𝐻 = 𝑧𝑠 + = 𝑧𝑏 + ℎ + (1)
2𝑔 2𝑔
where 𝑧𝑠 is the level of the free surface and 𝑧𝑏 is the level of the bed.

Although not crucial, we make the small-slope assumption and make no distinction between
the vertical depth ℎ (which forms part of the total head) and that perpendicular to the bed,
ℎ cos θ (which is used to get the flow rate).

The total head may be written

(2)
𝐻 = 𝑧𝑏 + 𝐸
where E is the specific energy, or head relative to the bed:
𝑉2
𝐸 =ℎ+ (3)
2𝑔
In frictionless flow, 𝐻 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡; i.e. the energy grade line is horizontal. In reality, 𝐻
decreases over large distances due to bed friction; the energy grade line slopes downward.

Differentiate (2):
d𝐻 d𝑧𝑏 d𝐸
= + (4)
d𝑥 d𝑥 d𝑥
Define:
d𝐻
= −𝑆𝑓 (5)
d𝑥
d𝑧𝑏
= −𝑆0 (6)
d𝑥
𝑆𝑓 is the downward slope of the energy grade line, or friction slope; (more about how this is
calculated later). 𝑆0 is the actual geometric slope. Then
d𝐸
= 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 (7)
d𝑥

Thus, the specific energy only changes if there is a difference between the geometric and
friction slopes, i.e. between the rates at which gravity drives the flow and friction retards it.
Otherwise we would have normal flow, in which the depth and specific energy are constant.

Equations (5) and (7) are two forms of the gradually-varied-flow equation. The third, and most
common, form rewrites d𝐸 ⁄d𝑥 in terms of the rate of change of depth, dℎ⁄d𝑥 .

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 2 Dr David Apsley

 𝑉2
𝐸 =ℎ+ (8)
2𝑔
where 𝑉 = 𝑄/𝐴. Hence,
𝑄2
𝐸 =ℎ+
2𝑔𝐴2
Differentiating with respect to streamwise distance 𝑥 (using the chain rule for the last term):
d𝐸 dℎ 𝑄 2 d𝐴
= −
d𝑥 d𝑥 𝑔𝐴3 d𝑥
If 𝑏𝑠 is the width of the channel at the surface: bs
d𝐴 = 𝑏𝑠 dℎ and ℎ̅ = 𝐴/𝑏𝑠 dh
Hence, A
d𝐸 dℎ 𝑄 2 𝑏𝑠
= (1 − )
d𝑥 d𝑥 𝑔𝐴3
dℎ 𝑉2
= (1 − )
d𝑥 𝑔ℎ̅
dℎ
= (1 − Fr 2 )
d𝑥
Combining this with (7) gives, finally,
Gradually-Varied-Flow Equation

dℎ 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓
= (9)
d𝑥 1 − Fr 2

3.3 Finding the Friction Slope

Since the flow (and hence the velocity profile and bed stress) vary only gradually with distance,
friction is primarily determined by the local bulk velocity 𝑉. The local friction slope 𝑆𝑓 can
then be evaluated on the “quasi-uniform-flow” assumption that there is the same rate of energy
loss as in normal flow of the same depth; e.g. using Manning’s equation:
1 2/3 1/2
𝑉= 𝑅 𝑆
𝑛 ℎ 𝑓
Inverting for the friction slope:
𝑛2 𝑉 2 𝑛2 𝑄 2
𝑆𝑓 = 4/3
= 4/3 (10)
𝑅ℎ 𝑅ℎ 𝐴2
Both 𝐴 and 𝑅ℎ (which depend on the channel shape) should be written in terms of depth ℎ.

In general, the deeper the flow then the smaller the velocity and friction losses. Qualitatively,
greater depth  lower velocity  smaller 𝑆𝑓 ;
smaller depth  higher velocity  greater 𝑆𝑓 .

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 3 Dr David Apsley

3.4 Profile Classification

For any given discharge (but independent of slope) there is a particular critical depth ℎ𝑐 , at
which Fr = 1. For example, in a wide or rectangular channel, ℎ𝑐 = (𝑞 2 /𝑔)1/3.

For any given discharge and slope there is a particular normal depth ℎ𝑛 , associated with
uniform flow. For example, in a wide channel, ℎ𝑛 = (𝑛𝑞/√𝑆0 )3/5. The normal depth is the
depth to which the flow would tend given a long enough undisturbed fetch.

A downward slope is classed as steep if the normal depth is less than the critical depth (i.e. the
normal flow is supercritical) and mild if the normal depth is greater than the critical depth (i.e.
the normal flow is subcritical).1 Note that, in principle, if rarely in practice, a particular slope
could be described as either steep or mild depending on the flow rate.

In general, given the actual depth ℎ, critical depth ℎ𝑐 and normal depth ℎ𝑛 , simple inspection
of signs of numerator and denominator on the RHS of the GVF equation
dℎ 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓
=
d𝑥 1 − Fr 2
indicates whether depth is increasing or decreasing with distance. In the special case 𝑆𝑓 = 𝑆0
we have dℎ⁄d𝑥 = 0; i.e. normal flow. Otherwise:
• 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 > 0 if and only if ℎ is greater than normal depth; (slower, hence less friction)
• 1 − Fr 2 > 0 if and only if ℎ is greater than critical depth
Hence,
dℎ
<0 (depth decreasing) if and only if ℎ lies between normal and critical depths.
d𝑥

Considering the whole range of possibilities allows a two-character classification of slopes (S1,
M3 etc) where:
• the first character is S, C, M, H, A for Steep, Critical, Mild, Horizontal, Adverse;
• the second character is 1, 2, 3 depending on where ℎ lies with respect to ℎ𝑐 and ℎ𝑛 .
Typical profiles and examples of where they occur are given in the table overleaf.

A backwater curve is a streamwise increase of depth because of a downstream obstruction or

because the slope is insufficient to maintain that rate of flow. A reduction in depth is called a
drawdown curve. Profiles with second character 1 or 3 are backwater curves (numerator and
denominator of the GVF equation have the same sign); profiles with second character 2 are
drawdown curves (numerator and denominator of the GVF equation have opposite signs).

Note that:
• the normal depth (where 𝑆𝑓 = 𝑆0) is approached asymptotically (dℎ⁄d𝑥 → 0);
• the critical depth (where Fr = 1) is approached at right angles (dℎ⁄d𝑥 → ∞).
• above normal depth a backwater asymptotes a horizontal surface (M1, S1).

1
An alternative statement is that a downward slope is steep if it exceeds the critical slope (that slope at which the
normal flow is critical).

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 4 Dr David Apsley

 Type Symbol Definition Sketches Examples
S1 Hydraulic jump upstream with obstruction or
S1 ℎ > ℎ𝑐 > ℎ𝑛 hc
reservoir controlling water level downstream.
STEEP S2
hn
(normal flow is S2 ℎ𝑐 > ℎ > ℎ𝑛 Change to steeper slope.
supercritical) S3
S3 ℎ𝑐 > ℎ𝑛 > ℎ Change to less steep slope.

CRITICAL hc= hn C1
C1 ℎ > ℎ𝑐 = ℎ𝑛
(undesirable;
undular unsteady C3
flow) C3 ℎ𝑐 = ℎ𝑛 > ℎ

M1 Obstruction or reservoir controlling water level

M1 ℎ > ℎ𝑛 > ℎ𝑐 hn downstream.
MILD M2
(normal flow is M2 ℎ𝑛 > ℎ > ℎ𝑐 hc Approach to free overfall.
subcritical)
M3 Hydraulic jump downstream; change from steep to
M3 ℎ𝑛 > ℎ𝑐 > ℎ
mild slope or downstream of sluice gate.
H2
HORIZONTAL H2 ℎ > ℎ𝑐 Approach to free overfall.
(limiting mild hc
slope; ℎ𝑛 → ∞) Hydraulic jump downstream; change from steep to
H3 ℎ𝑐 > ℎ H3 horizontal or downstream of sluice gate.
A2
A2 ℎ > ℎ𝑐
ADVERSE
(upslope) hc A3
A3 ℎ𝑐 > ℎ

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 5 Dr David Apsley

3.5 Qualitative Examples of Open-Channel-Flow Behaviour

A control point is a location where there is a known relationship between water depth and
discharge (aka “stage-discharge relation”). Examples include critical-flow points (weirs,
venturi flumes, sudden changes in slope, free overfall), sluice gates, entry or discharge to a
reservoir. A hydraulic jump can also be classed as a control point. Control points often provide
a location where one can start a GVF calculation; i.e. a boundary condition.

Some general rules:

(i) Supercritical  controlled by upstream conditions.
Subcritical  controlled by downstream conditions.

(ii) Given a long-enough undisturbed fetch the flow will revert to normal flow.

(iii) A hydraulic jump occurs between regions of supercritical and subcritical gradually-
varied flow at the point where the jump condition for the sequent depths is correct.

(iv) Where the slope is mild (i.e. the normal flow is subcritical), and any downstream control
is a long way away, a hydraulic jump can be assumed to jump directly to the normal
depth.

Flow over a weir (mild slope)

normal M1
normal
hc
hn h1
h2 M3 hydraulic hn
WEIR
jump
CP CP

Flow under a sluice gate – (a) mild slope

normal M1
normal
hn h1
h2 M3 hydraulic hn
jump
CP CP

Flow under a sluice gate – (b) steep slope

S1
normal
hn
h1
h2 S3 normal

CP hn

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 6 Dr David Apsley

Flow from a reservoir – (a) mild slope

CP
normal
hn

RESERVOIR

Flow from a reservoir – (b) steep slope

CP

hc S2
normal
RESERVOIR

Flow into a reservoir (mild slope)

normal M1 CP
hn

RESERVOIR

Free overfall (mild slope)

normal
M2
hn CP
hc
critical

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 7 Dr David Apsley

3.6 Numerical Solution of the GVF Equation

Analytical solutions of the GVF equation are very rare and it is usual to solve it numerically.
The process yields a series of discrete pairs of distance 𝑥𝑖 and depth ℎ𝑖 . Intermediate points can
be determined, if required, by interpolation.

All methods employ a discrete approximation to one of the following forms of GVF equation:
d𝐻 𝑉2
= −𝑆𝑓 (total head 𝐻 = 𝑧𝑠 + 2𝑔) (11)
d𝑥
d𝐸 𝑉2
= 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 (specific energy 𝐸 = ℎ + ) (12)
d𝑥 2𝑔

dℎ 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓
= (depth h) (13)
d𝑥 1 − Fr 2

In any of these the friction slope can be obtained by inverting the friction law; e.g. for
Manning’s equation:
𝑛2 𝑉 2 𝑛2 𝑄 2
𝑆𝑓 = 4/3
= 4/3 (14)
𝑅ℎ 𝑅ℎ 𝐴2
and the Froude number is
𝑉
Fr = (15)
√𝑔ℎ̅
where ℎ̅ = 𝐴/𝑏𝑠 is the mean depth (= actual depth for a rectangular or wide channel).

Physically, integration should start at a control point and proceed:

• forward in 𝑥 if the flow is supercritical CP

flow

(upstream control)

CP
• backward in 𝑥 if the flow is subcritical
flow
(downstream control).

h4
There are two main classes of method: h2
h3
h0 h1

• Standard-step methods: solve for depth ℎ at specified

distance intervals Δ𝑥.
x x x x

• Direct-step methods: solve for distance x at specified h

depth intervals Δℎ. (One advantage is that they can h
calculate profiles starting from a critical point, where h
1 − Fr 2 = 0 and standard-step methods would fail).
x0 x1 x2 x3

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 8 Dr David Apsley

3.6.1 Total-Head Form of the GVF Equation

d𝐻
= −𝑆𝑓
d𝑥

This is solved as a standard-step method (find depth ℎ at specified distance intervals Δ𝑥). The
equation is discretised as
𝐻𝑖+1 − 𝐻𝑖 𝑆𝑓,𝑖 + 𝑆𝑓,𝑖+1
= −( ) (16)
Δ𝑥 2
solving sequentially for ℎ1 , ℎ2 , ℎ3 , … starting with the depth at the control point ℎ0 .

Since both 𝐻 and 𝑆𝑓 are functions of ℎ, the method operates by adjusting ℎ𝑖+1 iteratively at
each step so that the LHS and RHS of (16) are equal.

This is a good method, but since it requires iterative solution at each step it is better suited to a
computer program than hand or spreadsheet calculation.

3.6.2 Specific-Energy Form of the GVF Equation

d𝐸 𝑉2
= 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 , where 𝐸 =ℎ+
d𝑥 2𝑔

Since increments in 𝐸 are determined by successive values of ℎ, this is solved as a direct-step

method (find displacement 𝑥 at specified depth intervals Δℎ).

First invert to make 𝐸 the independent variable:

d𝑥 1
=
d𝐸 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓

The equation is then discretised (d𝑥/d𝐸 ≈ Δ𝑥/Δ𝐸 ) and rearranged for distance increments:
Δ𝐸
Δ𝑥 = (17)
(𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 )av
where
Δ𝐸 = 𝐸𝑖+1 − 𝐸𝑖 (18)

There are various ways of estimating the average slope difference. The example to follow uses
the average of values at depths ℎ𝑖 and ℎ𝑖+1.

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 9 Dr David Apsley

3.6.3 Depth Form of the GVF Equation

dℎ 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓
=
d𝑥 1 − Fr 2

Here we shall solve this by a direct-step method (find displacement 𝑥 at specified depth
intervals Δℎ).

First, invert to make ℎ the independent variable:

d𝑥 1 − Fr 2
=
dℎ 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓

The function on the RHS is first written as a function of ℎ. The equation is then discretised
(d𝑥/dℎ ≈ Δ𝑥/Δℎ ) and rearranged for distance increments as:
d𝑥
Δ𝑥 = ( ) Δℎ (19)
dℎ av

As before, the bracketed term on the RHS can be taken as the average of values at the start and
end of an interval or (my preference) by evaluation at the interval mid-depth:
1
ℎmid = (ℎ + ℎ𝑖+1 )
2 𝑖

Comment. Different authors adopt different ways of solving the GVF equation numerically,
particularly in choosing whether to use the specific-energy or depth form, and how to form the
average derivative (e.g., average of values at the ends of the interval or simply the single value
at the midpoint). All should give the same answer when the step size Δℎ becomes very small,
but may differ for the larger step sizes typical of hand calculations. The specific-energy form
seems to be slightly more common in the literature, but my own tests suggest that the depth
form, with derivative evaluated just once at the mid-point of the interval, gives slightly better
results for large step sizes. Note that surface profiles become highly curved near critical points
and more steps, with a smaller Δℎ, should be used there.

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 10 Dr David Apsley

Example. (Exam 2020)
A long rectangular channel of width 5 m has a slope of 1:5000 and a Manning’s roughness
coefficient 𝑛 of 0.02 m–1/3 s. The total discharge is 10 m3 s–1. The channel narrows to a width
of 1.2 m over a short length.

(a) Determine the normal depth at this flow rate in the 5 m-wide channel.
(b) Show that critical conditions occur at the narrow section.
(c) Determine the depth just upstream of the narrowed section, where the width is 5 m.
(d) Determine the distance upstream to where the depth is 5% greater than the normal
depth, using two steps in the gradually-varied-flow equation.

(a)
Given:
𝑏 =5m (𝑏min = 1.2 m)
𝑆0 = 0.0002
𝑛 = 0.02 m−1⁄3 s
𝑄 = 10 m3 s −1

For the normal depth,

1 2/3 1/2 𝑏ℎ ℎ
𝑄 = 𝑉𝐴 , where 𝑉 = 𝑅 𝑆 , 𝑅ℎ = = , 𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ
𝑛 ℎ 𝑏 + 2ℎ 1 + 2ℎ/𝑏

𝑏√𝑆 ℎ5/3
 𝑄=
𝑛 (1 + 2ℎ/𝑏)2/3
Rearranging as an iterative formula for ℎ to find the normal depth at the channel slope 𝑆0 :
3/5
𝑛𝑄
ℎ=( ) (1 + 2ℎ/𝑏)2/5
𝑏√𝑆0
Here, with lengths in metres:
ℎ = 1.866(1 + 0.4ℎ)2/5
Iteration (from, e.g., ℎ = 1.866) gives normal depth:
ℎ𝑛 = 2.453 m

Answer: 2.45 m.

(b) To determine whether critical conditions occur, compare the total head in the approach flow
with that assuming critical conditions at the throat.

The total head, assuming normal flow and measuring heights from the bed of the channel is
𝑉𝑛2 𝑄2
𝐻𝑎 = 𝐸𝑎 = ℎ𝑛 + = ℎ𝑛 + = 2.487 m
2𝑔 2𝑔𝑏 2 ℎ𝑛2
At the throat the discharge per unit width is

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 11 Dr David Apsley

 𝑄
𝑞𝑚 = = 8.333 m2 s −1
𝑏min
The critical depth and critical specific energy at the throat are
2 1/3
𝑞𝑚
ℎ𝑐 = ( ) = 1.920 m
𝑔
3
𝐸𝑐 = ℎ = 2.880 m
2 𝑐
Since the bed of the flume is flat (𝑧𝑏 = 0), the critical head 𝐻𝑐 = 𝐸𝑐 .

Since the approach-flow head 𝐻𝑎 is less than the critical head 𝐻𝑐 (the minimum head required
to pass this flow rate through the venturi), the flow must back up and increase in depth just
upstream to supply this minimum head. It will then undergo a subcritical to supercritical
transition through the throat. The total head throughout the venturi is 𝐻 = 𝐻𝑐 = 2.880 m.

(c) In the vicinity of the venturi the total head is 𝐻 = 2.880 m. Just upstream (where width
𝑏 = 5 m), we seek the subcritical solution of
𝑉2 𝑄2
𝐻 = 𝑧𝑠 + =ℎ+
2𝑔 2𝑔𝑏 2 ℎ2
Rearrange for the deeper solution:
𝑄2
ℎ=𝐻−
2𝑔𝑏 2 ℎ2
Here, with lengths in metres:
0.2039
ℎ = 2.880 −
ℎ2
Iterate (from, e.g., ℎ = 2.880) to get the depth just upstream of the venturi:
ℎ = 2.855 m

Answer: 2.85 m

h0 = 2.855
(d) Do a GVF calculation (subcritical, so physically it
should start at the fixed downstream control and work h =12.716
h 2= 2.576
upstream, although mathematically it can be done the
other way) from the pre-venturi depth (ℎ = 2.855 m) Step 2 Step 1
to where ℎ = 2.576 m (i.e. 1.05 × ℎ𝑛 ). Using two
steps the depth increment per step is
x2 x1 x0 raised bed
2.576 − 2.855
Δℎ = = −0.1395 m
2

Both depth and specific-energy methods are shown on the following pages.

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 12 Dr David Apsley

METHOD 1: using the depth form of the GVF equation
dℎ 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓
=
d𝑥 1 − Fr 2
d𝑥 1 − Fr 2
 =
dℎ 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓

Δ𝑥 d𝑥
≈( )
Δℎ dℎ mid

dx
 Δx ≈ ( ) Δh
dh mid
(‘mid’ means mid-point of interval, half way between ℎ𝑖 and ℎ𝑖+1 ; sometimes written ℎ𝑖+1⁄2 )

For convenience, work out numerical expressions for Fr 2 and 𝑆𝑓 in terms of ℎ:

2
𝑉2 𝑄 2 /𝑏 2 0.4077
Fr = = =
𝑔ℎ 𝑔ℎ3 ℎ3
Manning’s equation (see earlier) gave
𝑏√𝑆 ℎ5/3
𝑄=
𝑛 (1 + 2ℎ/𝑏)2/3
Assuming that the rate of loss of energy (𝑆𝑓 ) at a general depth ℎ is the same as the channel
slope that would give normal flow at that depth, rearrangement for the slope gives
𝑛𝑄 2 (1 + 2ℎ/𝑏)4/3 −4
(1 + 0.4ℎ)4/3
𝑆𝑓 = ( ) = 16 × 10
𝑏 ℎ10/3 ℎ10/3
Hence,
0.4077
d𝑥 1 − Fr 2 1−
= = ℎ3
dℎ 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 (1 + 0.4ℎ)4/3
(2 − 16 × ) × 10−4
ℎ10/3
With
d𝑥
Δ𝑥 = ( ) Δℎ and Δℎ = – 0.1395 m
dℎ mid
working may then be set out in tabular form. (All depths assumed to be in metres.)

𝑖 ℎ𝑖 𝑥𝑖 ℎmid (d𝑥 ⁄dℎ)mid Δ𝑥

0 2.855 0
2.786 17120 –2388
1 2.716 –2388
2.646 26800 –3739
2 2.576 –6127

This gives a distance of about 6.1 km upstream.

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 13 Dr David Apsley

METHOD 2: Using the specific-energy form of the GVF equation

d𝐸
= 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓
d𝑥
d𝑥 1
 =
d𝐸 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓

Δ𝑥 1
 ≈
Δ𝐸 (𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 )av

Δ𝐸
 Δ𝑥 ≈
(𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 )av
(‘av’ is taken as the average of values calculated at start and end of each interval in ℎ.)

Here:
𝑉2 𝑄 2 /𝑏 2 0.2039
𝐸 =ℎ+ =ℎ+ =ℎ+
2𝑔 2𝑔ℎ2 ℎ2
and the same expression as before may be used for 𝑆𝑓 , so that:
(1 + 0.4ℎ)4/3
𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 = 2 × 10−4 − 16 × 10−4
ℎ10/3
With
Δ𝐸
Δ𝑥 =
(𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 )av
working may then be set out in tabular form. (All depths assumed to be in metres.)

𝑖 ℎ𝑖 𝑥𝑖 𝐸𝑖 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 Δ𝐸 (𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 )av Δ𝑥
0 2.855 0 2.880 6.61810–5
–0.136 5.67910–5 –2395
1 2.716 –2395 2.744 –5
4.74010
–0.137 3.59310–5 –3813
2 2.576 –6208 2.607 –5
2.44510

This gives a distance of about 6.2 km upstream.

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 14 Dr David Apsley

Example.
A long, wide channel has a slope of 1:2747 with a Manning’s 𝑛 of 0.015 m–1/3 s. It carries a
discharge of 2.5 m3 s–1 per metre width, and there is a free overfall at the downstream end. An
undershot sluice is placed a certain distance upstream of the free overfall which determines the
nature of the flow between sluice and overfall. The depth just downstream of the sluice is 0.5 m.

(a) Determine the critical depth and normal depth.

(b) Sketch, with explanation, the two possible gradually-varied flows between sluice and
overfall.

(c) Calculate the particular distance between sluice and overfall which determines the
boundary between these two flows. Use one step in the gradually-varied-flow equation.

Example. (Exam 2018)

An undershot sluice controls the flow in a long rectangular channel of width 2.5 m, Manning’s
roughness coefficient 𝑛 = 0.012 m−1⁄3 s and streamwise slope 0.002. The depths of parallel
flow upstream and downstream of the gate are 1.8 m and 0.3 m, respectively.

(a) Assuming no losses at the sluice, find the volume flow rate 𝑄.

(b) Find the normal and critical depths in the channel.

(c) Compute the distance from the sluice gate to the hydraulic jump, assuming normal
depth downstream of the jump. Use two steps in the gradually-varied-flow equation.

Example. (Exam 2014)

An undershot sluice is used to control the flow of water in a long wide channel of slope 0.003
and Manning’s roughness coefficient 0.012 m–1/3 s. The flow rate in the channel is 2 m3 s–1 per
metre width.

(a) Calculate the normal depth and critical depth in the channel and show that the channel
is hydrodynamically “steep” at this flow rate.

(b) The depth of flow just downstream of the sluice is 0.4 m. Assuming no head losses at
the sluice calculate the depth just upstream of the sluice.

(c) Sketch the depth profile along the channel, indicating clearly any flow transitions
brought about by the sluice and indicating where water depth is increasing or
decreasing.

(d) Use 2 steps in the gradually-varied-flow equation to determine how far upstream of the
sluice a hydraulic jump will occur.

Hydraulics 3 Open-Channel Flow: Gradually-Varied Flow - 15 Dr David Apsley