Section A: Open Channel Flow – Full Stepwise Solutions
Question 1
1(a) Froude Number and Classification
$$Fr = \frac{V}{\sqrt{g D}}$$ Where: * $V$ = mean velocity (m/s) * $g = 9.81$ m/s² * $D =$ hydraulic depth =
Area / Top width
Classification: * $Fr < 1$ → Sub-critical flow * $Fr = 1$ → Critical flow * $Fr > 1$ → Super-critical flow
1(b) Velocity Distribution Coefficient ($\alpha$)
$$\alpha = \frac{\int_A u^3 dA}{V^3 A}$$ * $u$ = local velocity * $V$ = mean velocity * $A$ = cross-sectional
area
1(c) Example Calculation
Given: $u = 1 + 4\frac{z}{h}$, $h = 6$ m
(i) Discharge per unit width
$$q = \int_0^h u dz = \int_0^h (1 + 4 \frac{z}{h}) dz = 22 \, m^2/s$$
(ii) Mean velocity and Froude number
$$V = q / h = 3.667 \, m/s$$ $$Fr = V / \sqrt{g h} \approx 0.48$$ Flow is Sub-critical
(iii) Momentum ($\beta$) and Energy ($\alpha$) Correction Factors
$$\beta = \frac{\int_0^h u^2 dz}{V^2 h} \approx 1.0661$$ $$\alpha = \frac{\int_0^h u^3 dz}{V^3 h} \approx
1.1885$$ $$\frac{\alpha - 1}{\beta - 1} \approx 2.855$$
Summary: | Parameter | Value | |---|---| | Discharge per unit width, $q$ | 22 m²/s | | Mean velocity, $V$ |
3.667 m/s | | Froude number, $Fr$ | 0.48 → Sub-critical | | Momentum factor, $\beta$ | 1.0661 | | Energy
factor, $\alpha$ | 1.1885 | | Ratio $(\alpha-1)/(\beta-1)$ | 2.855 |
Question 2
2(a) Discharge-Depth Curve
• $Q = A \, V$, for rectangular: $Q = b \, y \, V$
• $V = \sqrt{g A / T}$
1
• Maximum discharge occurs at critical depth where $dQ/dy = 0$
2(b) Hydraulic Exponent for Parabolic Channel
• Critical flow: $V^2 = g A / T$
• Hydraulic exponent: $M = \frac{2 A T}{dA/dy \cdot dT/dy}$
• For $y = k x^2$, $M = 2.5$
2(c) Critical Depth in Trapezoidal Channel
Given: $b = 8$ m, $s = 2$, $Q = 70$ m³/s, $\alpha = 1$ * Trial and error: $y_c \approx 1.7$ m, $V \approx 3.6$
m/s
Question 3
3(a) Mild Slope and Critical Slope
• Mild slope: $S < S_c$, Fr < 1 → Sub-critical
• Critical slope: $S = S_c$, normal depth = critical depth
3(b) Characteristics of Critical Flow
• Fr = 1
• Specific energy minimum for given Q
• Discharge maximum for given energy
• Depth = critical depth
• Velocity head = ½ hydraulic depth
3(c) Uniform Flow in Rectangular Channel
Given: $Q = 0.1$ m³/s, $b = 0.6$ m, $y = 0.3$ m, Chezy C = 56 * Area: $A = 0.18$ m² * Perimeter: $P = 1.2$ m
* Hydraulic radius: $R = 0.15$ m * Velocity: $V = Q/A = 0.556$ m/s * Chezy: $V = C \sqrt{R S_0} \Rightarrow
S_0 = 6.6 \times 10^{-4}$ * Conveyance: $K = A C R = 3.9$ * Fr = 0.33 < 1 → Sub-critical
Question 4
4(a) Critical Flow and Control Section
• Critical flow: Fr = 1
• Control section: depth-discharge uniquely related (weirs, flumes)
• Gauging: Discharge measured directly at control section
4(b) Uniform Flow in Long Prismatic Channel
• Constant bed slope, shape, and roughness
• Flow naturally adjusts → uniform
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4(c) Trapezoidal Channel with Concrete Lining
Given: $b = 6$ m, $s = 2$, $y = 3$ m, $S = 0.001$, $d_{50} = 0.002$ m * Area: $A = 36$ m² * Perimeter: $P =
19.416$ m * Hydraulic radius: $R = 1.854$ m * Chezy C = 72.8 * Velocity: $V = 3.13$ m/s * Discharge: $Q =
112.7$ m³/s * Friction factor: $f = 0.015$
✅ All calculations are stepwise, easy to memorize, and ready for Bangladesh exams.
