ANALYSIS OF NON-UNIFORM FLOW IN CHANNELS_GVF

• Non-uniform flow, also known as varied flow (VF) is the flow in which the depth of
flow varies (from section to section) along the length of channel.
• VF is further classified as: Gradually varied flow (GVF) and rapidly varied flow (RVF)
• GVF is the flow in which depth of flow varies gradually over a long length of channel.
Examples: Flow u/s of a dam, flow in channels with break in/different bed slopes etc.

• In RVF, depth of flow changes rapidly over a comparatively short length of channel.
Examples: Hydraulic jump, surges etc.
GRADUALLY VARIED FLOW EQUATION
❖ In GVF, the main objective is to determine the type and length of water surface
profile formed in the channel with a given steady discharge.
• Following assumptions are made in the analysis of GVF eq.:
(i) Channel is prismatic.
(ii) Bed slope is small.
(iii) Flow is steady i.e. discharge is constant.
(iv) Velocity of flow across any section is constant.
➢ 1D flow i.e. kinetic energy correction factor is unity.
(v) Pressure distribution along any vertical section is hydrostatic i.e. accelerative effect
of flow is negligible.
(vi) Uniform flow equations viz. Chezy’s and Manning’s are also applicable to GVF.
❖ Slope of energy line is used to calculate velocity or discharge in these equations.
(vii) Roughness coefficient C or N is independent of the depth of flow and is constant
throughout the channel reach considered.
❖ Three approaches can be used to determine GVF equation.
• First approach is based on the application of Bernoulli’s equation at any section.
• Second is based on the application of Bernoulli’s equation between two sections.
• Third is based on the specific energy of flow.
Approach 1: Consider a channel having GVF (Figure).
• Total energy head, H at any section is given by:

V2 Q2
H= + y+z = + y+z
2g 2gA 2
➢ V2/2g) is the velocity head, y is the depth of flow and z is the datum head.

1
 2
V
2g Sf
Water surf
ace
Sw
y
Channel bottom Sb
x
z
Datum

• Differentiating with respect to x, to get

dH d  Q2  dy dz Q2  dA  dy dz
=  + + =−  + +
dx dx  2gA2  dx dx gA3  dx  dx dx
❖ x is measured along the channel bed.
➢ dH/dx = Slope of energy line = - Sf, dz/dx = Slope of channel bed = - Sb
❖ (-ve sign is taken; as x increases, H and z decreases)
➢ dy/dx = Slope of free water surface with respect to the channel bed (variation of
water depth along the channel bed).
dA T  dy dA = (Tdy), T is the top width of flow.
= ,
dx dx
• Substituting in Eq. and solve for dy/dx, to get dy (Sb − S f )
=
dx  Q 2T 
 1 − 
3 
 gA 
❖ Required basic differential equation of GVF for water surface profiles.
Approach II Apply Bernoulli’s eq. between sections 1-1 and 2-2, distance dx apart, to get
❖ (dx is measured along the channel bed),
2
V1 1 2
2 hf V2
2g 2g
Sf
Sw
y1 y2
Sb
x
z1 dx z2
Datum
1 2

2
 V12 V22
 + y1 + z 1 = + y2 + z 2 + hf , hf is the head loss due to friction.
2g 2g
 V2 V2 
 (z 1 − z 2 ) − hf =  2 − 1  + ( y2 − y1 )
 2g 2g 
• Here, (z1 – z2) = Sb dx and hf= Sf dx
Equation can be expressed as:

 V2  d  V 2  dy
(Sbdx − S f dx) = d  + d( y)  (Sb − S f ) =  +
 2g  dx  2g  dx
d  V 2  dy dy
(Sb − S f ) =   +
dy  2g  dx dx
d  V2  d  V 2  d  Q2  Q2  dA  Q2T
  can be expressed as:   =   = −   = −
dy  2g  dy  2g  dy  2gA 2  gA 3  dy  gA 3

Q 2 T dy dy dy (Sb − S f )
 (S b − S f ) = −  +  =
gA 3 dx dx dx  Q 2T 
 1 − 
3 
 gA 
Approach III:
❖ Based on specific energy concept.

V2 Q2
• As, E= y+ = y+
2g 2gA 2
❖ In non-uniform flows, specific energy varies along the direction of flow:
Differentiating E with respect to x, to get

dE dy Q 2  dA  dy Q 2  dA dy 
= −   = −    (dA = Tdy)
dx dx gA 3  dx  dx gA 3  dy dx 
dE dy  Q2T 
 =  1− 
dx dx  3 
gA 
❖ Equation represents change in specific energy in length dx
• Change in specific energy is also given by; dE = (Sbdx - Sfdx)
➢ (Sbdx) represents the work done per unit weight by gravity in length dx
➢ (Sfdx) represents loss of head due to friction in length dx
dE
 = (Sb − Sf )
dx

3
 • Equating, to get dy (Sb − S f )
=
dx  Q 2T 
 1 − 
 gA 3 
Observations:
(i) (dy/dx) can be positive, negative or zero.
(a) When (dy/dx) > 0 (positive).
➢ This means that water surface is rising i.e. depth of flow is increasing in the
direction of flow.
➢ profile so obtained is known as back water/rising curve .
Examples: Flow behind an overflow spillway, Frictional slope is less than the bed slope
of channel (Sf < Sb).

• Maximum rise in water level is known as afflux.

• Distance along the channel bed from the section where water starts rising to the
section where rise of water is maximum is known as length of backwater curve.
(b) When (dy/dx) < 0 (negative).
• This means that water surface is falling i.e. depth of flow is decreasing in the
direction of flow. The profile so obtained is called a drop down/falling curve.
Examples: Flow over a free overfall, Sf > Sb.

(c) When (dy/dx) = 0.

Sb = Sf i.e. water surface is parallel to the channel bed and thus representing a uniform flow.
(ii) For rectangular channels, GVF Eq. can be expressed in different forms:

4
 V Q
Fr = = ,
gy A gy

Q2 Q2 A Q2T A 
 Fr 2 = = = ;  = T 
A 2 (gy) A 3 (gy) A 3g y 

dy (S b − S f )
 = (Sb − S f ) (Sb − S f )
dx (
1 − Fr 2 ) =

 1 −
=
V2   q2 
  1 − 3 
; (q = V  y)

 gy   gy 

(iii) Gradually varied flow equation for wide rectangular channels

• For a rectangular channel of width b and depth of flow y, hydraulic mean depth,

Rh is given by: R = A = b  y = y
P (b + 2 y)  y
h
1 + 2 
b
• For wide rectangular channels, b >> y, y/b  0Rh y
❖ For wide rectangular channels/natural streams, GVF equation is expressed in
terms of three depths of flow viz. yn, yc and y, defined as:
➢ yn is the normal depth of flow corresponding to uniform flow
➢ yc is the critical depth of flow (condition of min. specific energy)
➢ y is the depth of flow (given) corresponding to GVF

• According to Chezy’s; mean velocity of flow, V = C R h S

➢ For uniform flows, Rh = yn, S = Sb and q = V  yn 

q q2
= C yn Sb  2
= Sb yn3
yn C

q q2
➢ For GV flows, Rh = y, S = Sf and q = V  y = C ySf  = S f y3
2
y C
3
S f  yn 
• Equating Equations, to get = 
Sb  y 
Q2T q2  yc 
3   q2  
1/ 3

• Also, = =    yc =   
gA 3 gy 3  y    g  
 S 
Sb  1 − f 
• GVF equation can be expressed as:
dy
=  Sb 
dx  Q 2T 
 1 − 
3 
 gA 

5
 dy  1 − (yn / y )3 
• Substitute the values, to get = Sb  3
dx  1 − (y c / y ) 
❖ Required expression for natural streams.
Note: If Manning's equation is used instead of Chezy’s Eq., then the following
expression is obtained:

dy  1 − (y n / y )10 / 3 
= Sb  3 
dx  1 − (y c / y) 
(iv)(dy/dx) is the water surface slope with respect to the channel bed.
➢ Generally, water surface slope with respect to any horizontal plane (datum),
(dy/dx)h is required.
• can be determined by using the following expressions:

• For back water curve,  dy   dy 

  = Sb −  
 dx  h  dx 
 dy   dy 
• For drop down curve,   = S b +  
 dx  h  dx 
Problem 1: A rectangular stream 7.5 m wide has a depth of flow of 2 m at a bed slope of
1 in 3000. Due to the construction of a weir across the stream, water surface at a section
is raised by 0.75 m. Determine the water surface slope with respect to horizontal at this
section. Given Manning’s N = 0.02.
Solution: Given, b = 7.5 m, y = yn = 2 m, Sb = 1 in 3000, N = 0.02
To calculate discharge
• A = 15 m2, P = (7.5 + 2  2) = 11.5 m, Rh = (A/P) = 1.304 m
1
Q=  Q = 16.34 m3 /s
2/3
ARh S1b/ 2
N
dy (Sb − S f )
• Water surface slope with respect to channel bed, =
dx  Q 2T 
 1 − 
 gA3 

6
Problem 2: A wide channel carries a discharge of 3.5 m3/s per m width at a depth of 1.6
m and slope of 1 in 1000. Determine the value of Chezy’s constant considering the flow
to be uniform. If the depth of flow varies uniformly from 1.5 m at an upstream section to
1.7 m at a section located 300 m downstream, determine the new value of Chezy’s
constant?
Solution: q = 3.5 m3/s per m width, y = 1.6 m, Sb = 1/1000
Uniform flow:

7
LENGTH OF GVF PROFILE /INTEGRATION OF GVF EQUATION
In GVF cases, it is also required to determine the length of GVF profile.
• For this purpose, the following methods are used:
(1) Step method (2) Graphical integration method and (3) Direct integration method.

Step method: This method is applicable to prismatic channels only.

• Consider GVF in a channel having back water curve.

1 2
Sf hf
V12 V22
2g 2g

y1 V2 y2
V1
Sb
z1 L
z
1 Datum 2 2
Expression for the length of backwater curve

• Consider two vertical sections 1-1 and 2-2, horizontal distance L apart.
• Apply Bernoulli’s equation between the two sections, to get
V12 V2  V22   V12 
+ y1 + z 1 = 2 + y 2 + z 2 + h f 
 (z 1 − z 2 ) − hf =  + y2  −  + y1 
2g 2g  2g   2g 

 V22   V12 
(z 1 - z 2 ) = Sb L, hf = S f L;  + y2  = E2 and  + y1  = E1
 2g   2g 
❖ (E1 and E2 are the specific energies at the two sections)
• Substituting these values in Eq., to get

(E2 − E1 ) E
L= =
(S b − S f ) (S b − S f )

L (length of back water curve) = E

(S b − S f )

E
• In general, L=
Sb − S f

❖ Sf is the average of energy line slopes at the two sections and is determined
using Chezy’s or Manning’s equations.
Observations:

8
 • The accuracy of this method depends upon the distance between the two sections.
• For greater accuracy, the length between the two sections should be sufficiently
small so that the surface profile may be approximated by a straight line
• For this, the entire length of the reach/channel is divided into short
reaches/sections and the computations are carried out step by step from one end
of the reach to the other.
• Total length of profile is the sum of lengths of short reaches/sections.
❖ As an approximation (called single step method), length of profile is determined between the
two end sections only (water surface is assumed as linear instead of curved)

CLASSIFICATION OF CHANNEL BED SLOPES

❖ classified into five categories/types viz. mild, steep, critical, horizontal and
adverse.
Mild slope- channel bed slope is designated as mild when bed slope (Sb)is less than the
critical slope (Sc) i.e. Sb < Sc .
q 1
• As, V = C R h Sb  = C R h Sb  Sb 
yn yn
1
Similarly, S c 
yc
• As Sb < Sc ; yn> yc
Steep slope: when Sb > Sc and yn< yc
Critical slope: when Sb = Sc and yn = yc
Horizontal slope: when Sb = 0 and yn is infinite.
Adverse slope: when Sb < 0 (negative)
➢ channel bed rises instead of falling along the direction of flow
yn is imaginary or non-existent on adverse slope.
Observations: (i) Most natural channels have mild slopes and steep slopes are
generally encountered in short reaches.
(ii) Horizontal and adverse slopes are known as non-sustaining slopes (uniform flow
cannot be sustained on such slopes) [due to the absence of driving force, component of
weight in the flow direction is zero].

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CLASSIFICATION OF WATER SURFACE PROFILES FORMED ON DIFFERENT CHANNELS

Given, discharge, channel x-section and bed slope.

• In order to determine the water surface profile, first of all determine
(i) Normal depth (yn) of flow using either Chezy’s or Manning’s equations.
(ii) Critical depth (yc) of flow using [Q2/g = A3/T or yc = (q2/g)1/3]
❖ yc depends on the shape of channel and discharge while yn in addition to these
two parameters also depends on boundary roughness and bed slope.
❖ yc is independent of slope.
(iii) On the longitudinal section of the given channel bed slope, draw two lines parallel to
the channel bed viz.
➢ one at a height of yn, called the normal depth line (NDL) and
➢ other at yc, called the critical depth line (CDL) as shown in Figure.

Zone I
CDL Zone II CDL
NDL Zone
yn I ND
yc Zone III Zone L
Sb yc II CD Zon
yn Zo L e
ne III yn = yc I
Mild slope Steep s Crit Z one
lope ical
Sb < Sc Sb > S Sb = slope III
yn > yc yn < y c S
yn = c
c y c

 Zone II
CDL yn Zone II CDL
Zone III
yc Zone III yc

Adverse slope
Horizontal slope,
Sb = 0 Sb < 0
yn  yn is imaginary

Zones of water surface profiles on different channel slopes

• On the longitudinal section of the given channel slope, draw two lines parallel to the
channel bed viz. one at a height of yn, called normal depth line (NDL) and other at yc,
called critical depth line (CDL) as shown in Figure.
Observations:

10
(i) Two lines divide the space above the channel bed two/three zones viz. Zone I, Zone
II and Zone III.
➢ Zone I is the space lying above NDL/CDL.
➢ Zone II is the space lying between NDL and CDL.
➢ Zone III is the lowest zone, lying above the channel bed but below NDL/ CDL.
(ii) The various water surface profiles are designated with reference to the bed slope of
channel and the zone in which these are occurring.
➢ Thus, surface profiles occurring on mild slope channels are known as M-curves.
➢ Similarly, water surface profiles occurring on steep, critical, horizontal and
adverse slope channels are known as S-curves, C-curves, H-curves and A-
curves, respectively.
(iii) For mild and steep slopes, three zones of flow are possible and the corresponding
three surface profiles in these three zones are designated as M1, M2, M3and S1, S2, S3
curves, respectively.
• On critical slope, only two zones viz. Zone I and Zone III exist and the resulting
surface profiles are designated as C1and C3 curves, respectively.
• For horizontal and adverse-slope channels, only two zones viz. Zone II and Zone III are
possible, resulting in only two types of profiles H2, H3and A2, A3, respectively.
❖ Total twelve surface profiles are possible on the five different bed slopes of
channels.
(iv) Given depth of flow, y (GVF depth) can lie in any one of the three/two zones. In

➢ Zone I (Here y is above yn or yc; y > yn > yc)

➢ Zone II (Here y is between yn and yc ; yn > y > yc)
➢ Zone III (Here y is below yn or yc ; yn > yc > y)

11
Characteristics of water surface profiles forming on different channel slopes

• Water surface profiles will be either back water curves or drop down curves
depending whether dy/dx (water surface slope) is positive or negative,
respectively.
❖ In order to plot a type of profile, it is necessary to know the characteristics of each
profile, determined using any one of the following equations of GVF for wide

 1 − (yn / y)3  dy  1 − (yn / y )10 / 3 

rectangular channels i.e. dy
= Sb  = Sb  3 
3
or
dx  1 − (y c / y )  dx  1 − (y c / y) 

• In all the cases, any two limiting values of y in different zones can be:

y→ yn, y → yc , y →  and y → 0
y → yn y → yc y→0 y→
From GVF Eq., dy/dx → 0 dy/dx →  dy/dx →  dy/dx → Sb

• Different cases are discussed hereunder

(a) Surface profiles on mild-slope channels: Three zones exist in which the
given depth of flow can lie viz. Zone I, Zone II and Zone III and thus three curves M1,
M2 and M3 will be formed in the three zones, respectively.
Zone I: In Zone I, (y > yn, y > yc). [Subcritical flow, y > yc]
❖ [For y > yn, y > yc, both numerator and denominator of GVF Eq. will be positive].
 From GVF Eq., (dy/dx) will be positive.

dy  1 − (y n / y)3  dy  1 − ( 1) 
= Sb  3 
; = Sb  
dx  1 − (y c / y)  dx  1 − ( 1) 

 Back water curve M1 will be formed in Zone I.

• Further, y can have two limiting values as:
➢ y approaches yn (y → yn) on the u/s side and y approaches infinity (y→ ) on the d/s side.

From GVF Eq., When y→ yn, dy/dx → 0 and when y→ , dy/dx → Sb.

12
 ❖ On the u/s side, M1 curve is asymptotic to NDL and on the d/s side, it tends to
asymptotic to bed slope (Sb) (Figure).
Examples of M1 profiles: Flow behind an overflow spillway, water surface joining two
reservoirs etc.
M1
M2
yn y CDL
c
M3
Surface profiles on mild slope channel

Zone II: In Zone II, (y <yn, y > yc). Subcritical flow (y > yc).
• (For y < yn, numinator is -ve and for y > yc, denominator. is +ve).
dy/dx is -ve and thus dropdown curve M2 will be formed in Zone II.
❖ Two limiting values of y are:
➢ (y→ yn) on the u/s side and (y → yc) on the d/s side.
• When y → yn, dy/dx → 0, when y → yc, dy/dx → .
 On the u/s side, M2 curve is asymptotic to NDL and on the d/s side, it meets CDL
normally.
Examples of M2 profiles: Flow over a free overall, flow at the u/s of a sudden
enlargement in a channel.
Zone III: In Zone III (y < yn, y < yc) [Supercritical flow, y < yc].
❖ [Both numinator and denominator are negative].
dy/dx will be +ve and thus back water curve M3 will be formed in Zone III.
• Two limiting values of y are:
• (y → 0) on the u/s side and (y → yc) on the d/s side.
When y → 0, dy/dx → and when y → yc, dy/dx → .
• Thus, it follows that M3 curve meets both the channel bed and CDL normally.
Examples of M3 profiles: Flow d/s of a sluice gate, surface profile when bed slope
changes from steep to mild etc.
(b) Surface profiles on steep slope channels:

13
 ❖ Three zones exist in which the given depth of flow y can lie viz. Zone I, Zone II
and Zone III. Thus, curves S1, S2 and S3 will be formed in the three zones,
respectively.
Zone I: y > yc, y > yn, dy/dx is positive (back water curve S1).
❖ Two limiting values of y are; y→ yc (u/s side) and y → (d/s side).
• As y → yc, dy/dx → and when y →, dy/dx → Sb.
S1 curve meets CDL normally on the u/s side and it tends to equal to the bed slope Sb
on the d/s side (Figure).
Example of S1 profile: Profile behind a dam on a steep slope.
S1

yc CDL
S2
yn
S3

Surface profiles on steep

Zone II: y < yc, y > slopechannel

yn and dy/dx is -ve (dropdown curve S2).
❖ Two limiting values of y are; y→ yc (u/s side) and y → yn (d/s side).
• When y → yc, dy/dx → and when y → yn, dy/dx → 0.
S2 curve meets the CDL normally on the u/s side and on the d/s side; it meets the NDL
asymptotically (Figure).
Example of S2 profile: Flow when bed slope changes from steep to steeper.
Zone III: y < yc, y < yn and dy/dx is +ve (back water curve).
• Two limiting values of y are;
➢ y→ 0 (u/s side) and y → yn (d/s side).
• When y → 0, dy/dx → and when y → yn, dy/dx → 0.
S3 curve meets the channel bed normally on the u/s side and on the d/s, it is
asymptotic to the NDL (Figure).
Example of S3 profile: Flow d/s of a sluice gate on a steep slope channel.

(c) Surface profiles on critical slope channels:

❖ Only two zones exist in which depth of flow y can lie viz. Zone I and Zone III and
hence only C1 and C3 curves will be formed.
Zone I: y > yn = yc, dy/dx is positive (back water curve C1).

14
 • Two limiting values of y are: y → yn = yc (u/s side) and y → (d/s side).
• When y → yn = yc, dy/dx → 0 and when y →, dy/dx →Sb = Sc
C1 curve is asymptotic to CDL/NDL on the u/s side and on the d/s side, it tends to
equal to bed slope.
Example of C1 profile: Flow behind a spillway on a critical slope.
C
1

y C
DL
n=yc
C
3

Surface profiles on critical slope channel

Zone III: y < yc = yn, dy/dx is positive (back water curve C3).
• Two limiting values of y are; y → 0 (u/s side) and y → yn = yc (d/s side).
• When y → 0, dy/dx → and when y → yn = yc, dy/dx → 0.
C3 curve will be meets the channel bed normally on the u/s side and on the d/s side, it
is asymptotic to CDL/NDL.
Example of C3 profile: Profile below a sluice gate on a critical slope.

(d) Surface profiles on horizontal slope channels:

• Two zones exist on horizontal channels in which the given depth of flow can lie
viz. Zone II and Zone III and hence only H2 and H3 curves will be formed.
Zone II: y > yc, dy/dx is negative (dropdown curveH2).
• Two limiting values of y are; y → (u/s side) and y → yc (d/s side).
• When y →, dy/dx →Sb and when y → yc, dy/dx →.
H2 curve tends to equal to Sb on the u/s side and it will meet the CDL normally at the d/s end.
Example of H2 profile: Flow at free overfall.
Zone III: y < yc, dy/dx is positive (back water curveH3).
• Two limiting values of y are;
• y → 0 (u/s side) and y → yc (d/s side)
• When y → 0, dy/dx → and when y → yc, dy/dx →.
H3 curve meets both the channel bed and CDL normally.
Example of H3 profile: Profile below a sluice gate provided in a horizontal channel.

15
 H2
CDL
yc
H3
Surface profiles on horizontal channel

(e) Surface profiles on adverse slope channels:

• Two zones exist in which the given depth of flow can lie viz. Zone II and Zone III,
in which A2and A3 curves will be formed.
Zone II: y > yc, dy/dx is negative (dropdown curve A2).
• Two limiting values of y are; y→ (u/s side) and y → yc (d/s side).
• When y →, dy/dx →Sb and when y → yc, dy/dx →.
A2 curve tends to equal to Sb at the u/s end and at the d/s end, it meets CDL normally.
Example of A2 profile: Water profile at the downstream end of a channel with adverse slope.
Zone III : y < yc, dy/dx is positive (back water curve A3).
• Two limiting values of y are;
➢ y→ 0 (u/s side) and y → yc (d/s side).
• When y → 0, dy/dx → and when y → yc, dy/dx →.
A3 curve meets both the channel bed and CDL normally.
Example: Water profile below a sluice gate provided in a channel with adverse slope.

A2
CDL
A3
yc
Surface profiles on adverse slope channel

Observations:
❖ Following observations are drawn from the above discussion:
(i) Surface profiles with subscript 1 and 3 are backwater curves while those with
subscript 2 are dropdown curves.

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(ii) The profile is always asymptotic to NDL whereas the profile is always normal to
channel bed/CDL.
(iii) Flow profiles near CDL and channel bed cannot be accurately defined by GVF
theory; hence these profiles are shown with dotted lines.
(iv) In nature, stream always flow at uniform depth/normal depth as this is the point of
balance energy.
❖ Physical disturbances can force the flow away from yn and as soon as the flow
gets a chance, it will return to its normal/uniform depth.
(v) In the normal situation (on a single slope), GVF profiles always adjust towards the
normal depth but cannot cross it.
❖ RVF profiles can cross CDL.
(vi) On a mild slope, streams flow deep but slow (yn is more) whereas on a steep slope,
streams flow shallow but fast (yn is less).
Control Section:
It is a section where for a given discharge, the depth of flow is constant or it can be
controlled. In other words, at the control section, a definite relationship exists between
the depth of flow and discharge.
❖ A control section offers a suitable site for measuring discharge/flows in open channels.
• For critical flows, the critical depth section is a control section.
• For sub-critical flows, control section is located d/s, as these flows are affected
by the changes in the u/s conditions.
• For super-critical flows, control section is located u/s, as these flows are affected
by the changes in the d/s conditions.

❖ This is explained as:

• For M1 prolife, flow is subcritical (y > yc).

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 • Let any flow disturbance causes the flow to rise above the normal depth. As flow
is subcritical, flow depth adjusts u/s (Section 1-1) so as the approach towards
the normal depth i.e. control section is located d/s (Section 2-2).

• For M2 prolife, flow is still subcritical.

• Let any flow disturbance causes the flow to fall below the normal depth. Being
subcritical flow, flow depth again adjusts u/s (Section 1-1) so as the approach
towards the normal depth i.e. control section is located d/s (Section 2-2).

❖ For M3 prolife, flow is supercritical.

➢ Let any flow disturbance causes the flow to fall below the critical depth. As flow
is supercritical, flow depth adjusts d/s (Section 2-2) so as to approach towards
the critical depth as it cannot cross CDL [condition of minimum specific energy]
i.e. control section is located u/s (Section 1-1).
Observations:
i. It is not necessary that a control section is a critical section. However, a critical
section is always a control section.
ii. By knowing the control section and the nature of flow, the type of GVF profile
can also be determined.

Problem 1: A rectangular channel 2 m wide carries discharge of 2 m 3/s at a slope of 1

in 2500. At a certain section, depth of flow is 1 m. (i) Determine the type of surface
profile (ii) Calculate distance of a section upstream or downstream where depth of flow
is 0.9 m. Solve by single step method. Take Manning’s N = 0.014.
Solution: Given; b = 2 m, Q = 2 m3/s, Sb = 1 in 2500, N = 0.014
• Two GVF depths are 1 m and 0.9 m
❖ For determining the type of surface profile, one needs to first determine the type
of bed slope of channel.
To calculate the normal/uniform depth of flow yn

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Problem 2: Water flows in a triangular channel of side’s slope 1:1 and longitudinal
slope of 1 in 1000. Determine the type of bed slope of the channel when a discharge of
0.20 m3/s flows through it. Take Manning’s coefficient = 0.015.
Solution: Sb = 1 in 1000, Q = 0.20 m3/s, N = 0.015, Side’s slope = 1:1.
• A = y2tan
• P = 2ysec
• T = 2ytan
•  = 45o
Ans: yn = 0.536 m, yc = 0.382 m

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Surface profiles resulting from change of bed slope/break in slope
❖ Different cases/combinations:
❖ Bed slope changes from mild to milder/mild to steep/steep to steeper/critical to
mild/steep to critical etc. and vice-versa.
√ Given, discharge and bed slopes
❖ Following procedure is followed:
(a) Determine the normal depths of flow yn1 and yn2 on the two bed slopes say (Sb)1 and
(Sb)2, respectively.
(b) Determine the critical depth of flow yc for the given discharge.
(c) Check whether yn1 is > or < yc and determine the type of first bed slope (Sb)1.
(d) Similarly, check whether yn2 is > or < yc and determine the type of second bed slope (Sb)2.
(e) Draw ND lines and CDL on the two bed slopes as usual.
(f) Check whether yn1 is greater or less than yn2 and determine the type of surface
profiles on the two slopes keeping in mind the characteristics of profiles.
❖ In nature, the streams always flow at uniform depth/normal depth.

Surface profile on a mild-steep slope

• yn1 > yn2 and yn1 > yc > yn2

NDL
1

M2
C DL

S2

Mi ld NDL 2

Steep

❖ Water surface profile between yn1 and yc will be M2-curve and the profile
between yc and yn2 will be S2-curve. The resulting water surface is (M2 - S2)
❖ At the break in slope, water surface passes through CDL so as to attain the
normal depth on the steep slope.

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Surface profile on steep- mild slope (yn1< yn2 and yn1 < yc < yn2)

❖ The resulting water surface profile will be any one of the following three cases
depending upon the sequent depth of jump.
Case (i): HJ and S1 curve (Jump occurs on the steep slope).
Case (ii): M3 curve and HJ (Jump occurs on the mild slope).
Case (iii): HJ may occur at the break in slope and there no GVF profile will occur in this case.

Problem: A wide rectangular channel carries a discharge of 5.3 m3/s/m. If bed slope of
channel changes from 0.0009 to 0.0049, determine the type of surface profiles occurring
on the two slopes. Given, Chezy’s C = 60.

To calculate critical depth

1/ 3 1/ 3
 q2   5.32 
yc =   =    yc = 1.42 m
 g  9.81 
• As yn1 > yc and thus this slope of channel is mild.
• Also, yn2 < yc and thus this slope of channel is steep.

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 Bed slope of channel changes from mild to steep.
• To determine the nature of surface profile, draw the two bed slopes and ND lines
parallel to channel beds corresponding yn1 and yn2 as usual. Draw CDL
corresponding to yc .
• Mark the different Zones and decide the profile.
❖ In this case, M2-S2 profile will be formed.

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