APPLICABILITY OF THE EQUATIONS

For steady one-dimensional open channel flow we have three basic equations that can be used to
compute three unknown quantities. However, in many flow problems, usually it is required to
compute two unknown quantities and we need only two equations. For example, it may be required
to compute flow depth h and flow velocity U at a downstream section in a channel when the flow
conditions at an upstream section are known. The equation of continuity is invariably used as it is the
simplest of the three equations. Then, the choice remains whether we will use the energy or the
momentum equation. Since these equations are applied between two channel sections, the condition
in the channel between the two sections usually determines whether the energy or the momentum
equation is to be used.
The energy equation contains a term hL of internal energy losses. So this equation can be used
initially only when this energy loss term h L is small and negligible. On the other hand, the
momentum equation contains an external friction force F f. So this equation can be used initially only
when Ff is small and negligible and, in addition, if any other external force is not present.
As an example, let us consider the flow under a sluice gate as shown in Fig. 2.5. Flow under a sluice
gate is an example of converging flow in which energy losses between sections 1 and 2 are usually
small and negligible. The flow depth h2 and the flow velocity U2 at section 2 can be determined from
the known flow conditions at section 1 and using the continuity and energy equations. Initially the
momentum equation cannot be used for this situation because of the force on the sluice gate that
is unknown and not negligible, although the external friction force Ff is small and negligible.
However, once h2 and U2 are determined, the momentum equation can be used to compute the
force on the sluice gate.