Open Channel Hydraulic

GRADUALLY VARIED FLOW(GVF)

Chapter Contents;
Definition of GVF
General Equation for GVF
Classification of Flow Profiles
GVF Computations
 4.0 Definition of GVF
when the depth of flow in an open channel flow varies with longitudinal
distance, the flow is termed as Gradually varied Flow (GVF).
Varied flow may be either steady or unsteady. Since unsteady uniform flow is
rare, the term "unsteady flow” is used for unsteady varied flow exclusively.
Varied flow may be further classified as either rapidly or gradually varied.
Gradually varied flow is a steady flow. This means that 3 conditions are met.
The hydraulic flow characteristics remain constant in time;
The streamlines are practically parallel meaning the hydrostatic pressure
prevails,
Bed friction is assumed to be equal to the friction in uniform flow
(Manning, chezy). Also, the uniform- flow formula may be used to
evaluate the energy slope of GVF at a given channel section
 4.1 General Equation for Gradually varied flow

The total energy of an elementary volume

of water is given as:
V2
E=Z+Y+ 
2g

Each term of the equation represents

energy. The gradually varied flow
equation is derived by assuming that
for gradually varied flow the change
in energy with distance is equal to
the friction loss. For the general
equation other losses than friction,
like eddy, bend and/or bridge losses
are not included.
 Therefore, at any section, the total energy is
  V2
E =Z+Y+ 
2g

Differentiating this equation with respect to the

longitudinal distance x yields:
 V2   v2 
d  Z  Y   d  
dE 2 g    2 g   dy  dz
 
dx dx dx dx dx
dE
dx is the change of energy with longitudinal
distance or the friction slope (Sf).
The friction loss dE is always a negative quantity in
the direction of flow (unless outside energy is added)
The slope is defined as the sine of the slope angle and
that it is assumed positive if it descends in the
direction of flow and negative if it ascends. But the
change in the bottom elevation dZ is a negative
quantity where the slope descends
 dy So  Sf
 
dx 1  Fr 2 This equation is called the general equation of gradually varied flow
(also known as dynamic equation of GVF)
It describes the variation of the depth of flow in a channel of arbitrary shape as a
function of So, Sf and Fr2 For uniform flow the bed slope (So) and the friction slope
(Sf) are parallel. The friction slope (Sf) for gradually varied flow is not parallel to
the bottom slope, but is evaluated using Manning’s the Chezy’s (Colebrook–white)
equation. Note that;
dE
  Sf
dx
dZ
  So
dx
dEs
 So  Sf
dx
4.2 Classification of Flow Profiles
Surface profiles for gradually varied flow conditions in wide rectangular channels are
analyzed by using the expression:
dy So  Sr

dx 1  Fr 2 The term dy/dx represents the slope of the water surface relative to the
channel bottom. If dy/dx is positive, the depth is increasing in downstream direction (x).
When the channel bottom is going down in the direction of flow, So is positive. Similarly, Sf
in downstream direction is always positive; the energy is decreasing in downstream
direction. For uniform flow Sf = So, which means dy/dx is zero and the water surface parallel
to the bottom. For a given discharge Q, Sf and Fr2 are functions of depth (y) only, e.g.
n 2Q 2 P 4 / 3
Sr 
A10 / 3

2 Q 2 Bs
Fr 
gA3
Both parameters decrease with increasing A and hence increasing y; Sf = So
when y = yo (uniform flow).
The profiles of the water surface depend on;
The common classification of varied flow consists of 12 classes.

The classification is based on the relationship between the actual water

depth and the normal water depth (if existing) and the critical water depth.
Some frequent encountered curves are:
 M1: The back water curve upstream of a dam or a gate. At the dam the water
depth is given and y > yn and y > yc. Also is given a mild slope (M), which
means yn > yc. The flow is sub–critical and dy/dx is positive, the water depth
y increases in the downstream direction; or the water depth decreases in an
upstream direction.
 M2: The draw–down curve, for example above a transition from a mild
slope to a less mild.
M3: Supercritical flow downstream of a gate of weir. The transition of M3 to M2
or to M1 gives a hydraulic jump (from super to sub critical flow). The slope is mild
(yn > yc) and yn > yc > y. The flow is super–critical and dy/dx is positive, the water
depth y increases in the downstream direction; or the water depth decreases in an
upstream direction.
C3 : If a channel has a critical slope, then the flow is initially critical and remains
critical throughout the channel
Summary of Flow Profiles
 4.3 GVF Computation
The direct step method (distance from depth)
The direct step method is a simple method applicable to prismatic channels. Depths
of flow are specified and the distances between successive depths are calculated.
The equation may be used to determine directly (which means explicit) the distance
between given differences of depth(dy).

Es is the specific energy. In the computation Sf is calculated for the depths y1 and y2
and the average is taken, which is denoted by Sfm
An approximate analysis can be achieved by dividing the channel in a number of
successive, short reaches. The Chezy or Manning formula is applied to average
conditions in each reach to provide an estimate of Sfm and So
Depths of flow are specified and the distances between successive depths are calculated
• For the computations are needed:
 Discharge Q
 Depth of flow y
 Area A
 Hydraulic radius R
 Roughness coefficient n or C
 Coefficient of Coriolis
• For the given data, the computations are carried out in tables
5.0 RAPIDLY VARIED FLOW(RVF)
5.1 Characteristics of RVF
Pronounced curvature of streamlines.
Abrupt change of flow profile (virtually broken)
Example: Hydraulic Jump
In view of contrast with GVF, the following characteristic features of RVF should
be noted.
a) Pronounced curvature  hydrostatic pressure distribution cannot be assumed
b) Rapid variation in flow regime takes place in a very short distance.
Effect of boundary friction, which would play a primary role in a GVF, is
comparatively small and in most cases insignificant.
c) In RVF the velocity-distribution coefficients  and  are much greater than
unity and can not be accurately determined.
d) Flow is actually confined by separation zones as well as solid boundaries.
(Because profiles could be broken).
 5.2 Approach to the problem
•The theory that assumes Parallel flow, Hydrostatic distribution of pressure does not apply in RVF
computation.
•For RVF of continuous flow profile a mathematical equation of flow can be established, based on
an inviscid and potential flow condition.
Approach to the solution of such equation include
 Graphical method (e.g., flow-net analysis)
 Numerical method (e.g., method of relaxation)
•Despite such developments, no satisfactory general solution has yet been obtained
• Practical Hydraulicians opt to treat Various RVF phenomena as isolate cases
each with its own semi-empirical/empirical treatment.
Three isolated cases of RVF are discussed here.
Flow over spillway
Hydraulic jump
Flow under gate
5.3 Flow over spillways 5.4 Hydraulic Jump
Spillway: is a structure over or through a Practical Applications  
dam for discharging flood flows; To dissipate energy in water flowing over a
overflow channel; opening built into a dam, weir and other hydraulic structure and
dam or the side of a reservoir to release thus prevent scouring d/s from the structure.
To recover head or raise the water level on
(to spill) excess floodwater. the d/s side of a measuring flume and thus
maintains high water level in the channel for
water distribution purposes.
To increase weight on the apron and reduce
uplift pressure by raising the water depth on
the apron.
To increase the discharge of a sluice gate by
holding sack tail water, thus preventing
drawn jump.
To mix chemical used for water purification.
To aerate water for city water supplies
A hydraulic jump will form in the channel if the Frond Number Fr1 of the flow, the
flow depth y1, and a drown stream depth y2 satisfy the following equation:

Types of Jump  
•Hydraulic Jumps on horizontal floor are of several Basic characteristics of the Jump
distinct types. They can be conveniently classified Energy Loss: the loss of energy in the jump
according to Froud Number Fr1 of the incoming flow as
follows.
is equal to the difference in specific energy
 Fr1 =1 critical flow no jump can form before and after the jump.
 1< Fr1 < 1. the water surface shows undulation
(undular jump)
 1.7 < Fr1 < weak jump. 
 2.5 < Fr1 < 4.5 there is an oscillating jet entering the
jump bottom to surface and back again with no
periodicity. Oscillating Jump.
 4.5 < Fr1 < 9.0 steady Jump:- The jump is well
balanced and the performance is at its best. The Efficiency: the ratio of the specific energy
energy dissipation ranges from 45 to 70%. after the jump to that before the jump is
 Fr > 9.0 Strong jump:- The jump action is rough but defined as the efficiency of the jump
effective since the energy dissipation may reach 85%.
Height of Jump:-
the difference between the depths after and before the jump.
Hj = y2 – y1

The length of a jump (also length of
stilling basin) is empirically given as:
Where, k – is a coefficient derived from
laboratory and filed experiment. 4.5 < k
< 5.5 where the lower k = 4.5 applies of
Fr2 > 10 and the highs for Fr2 < 3.
5.5 Flow under Gates
Gates in canals are mainly used as water level
regulators. Sometimes, gates are used as
discharge regulator (measuring device). They
are under-shot or underflow structures.
Example slice gate, radial gate & roller gate
The design of underflow gate focuses on
head-discharge relationship (Q-H). The
objective is to minimize head loss. The
general equation is given as.
•Where,
a = vertical opening of the gate (a< 0.67h1)
h1 = Upstream water depth
B = Effective width of the opening
C2 = discharge coefficient.