14. Fluid Mechanics

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is open channel flow?

   Hint

   Think about how rivers and canals are structured.

2. 2.

   What two forces primarily influence open channel flow?

   Hint

   Consider what forces affect movement in fluids.

3. 3.

   What is open channel flow?

   • Flow in closed pipes
   • Flow through open bodies of water
   • Flow only in canals

   Hint

   Think about how rivers work.

4. 4.

   Hydraulic radius is defined as?

   Hint

   Think about how 'radius' relates to area and edges of a channel.

5. 5.

   Calculate the flow rate in a rectangular channel, 5 m wide and 1.5 m deep, moving at 2 m/s. Use the formula Q = A * v, where A is the area.

   Hint

   Don’t forget to calculate the area first before finding the flow rate.

6. 6.

   A channel has a hydraulic radius of 0.75m. It is found to be flowing supercritically. Determine the flow characteristics and implications this has in engineering design.

   Hint

   Think about why engineers need to manage flow rates in channels.