25. Open Channel Flow

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the hydraulic gradient line in open channel flow?

   Hint

   Think about where the water naturally levels off.

2. 2.

   Define velocity head.

   Hint

   Consider how fast the fluid is moving.

3. 3.

   What does the hydraulic gradient line represent in an open channel?

   • Pressure level
   • Fluid surface
   • Velocity head

   Hint

   Think about the natural level of the water.

4. 4.

   True or False: In open channels, the energy gradient line does not include the velocity head.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what factors contribute to total energy.

5. 5.

   Consider a rural water supply where an open channel feeds into a storage tank. If the water surface fluctuates due to rain, how would this affect the hydraulic gradient line and energy available for pumping?

   Hint

   Think about how the water level supports or resists flow.

6. 6.

   Calculate the pressure change at the outlet when a pump increases the flow in a water system by 20% while facing frictional losses amounting to 5 kPa.

   Hint

   Focus on comparing input and losses to find net changes.