ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces some of the simpler topics of open-channel flow. The flow of liquid in a conduit may be either pipe flow or open-channel flow. There are many examples of open-channel flow, and this chapter examines the variables that are useful in mathematically modeling such flows. It considers geometric factors of four different types of prismatic channels—that is, channels with unvarying cross sections and constant bottom slopes. These cross sections are rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, and circular. The equations of motion for flow in open channels are the continuity, momentum, and energy equations. A sluice gate is a vertical gate used in spillways to retain the flow. The chapter develop equations for laminar and for turbulent open-channel flow. The conditions are that the liquid depth and flow rate are constant at any cross section; the water surface and the channel bottom are parallel.
