14.2.3. Understanding River Flow

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is open channel flow?

   Hint

   Think of rivers and canals.

2. 2.

   List the two main forces acting on open channel flow.

   Hint

   Consider what drives water movement.

3. 3.

   What is the primary force driving open channel flow?

   • Pressure
   • Gravity
   • Centrifugal

   Hint

   Think about what pulls water downstream.

4. 4.

   True or False: Pressure forces play a significant role in open channel flow.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the free surface condition.

5. 5.

   Given a channel with a width of 6 meters and a flow depth of 2.5 meters, compute the hydraulic radius if the wetted perimeter is 11 meters.

   Hint

   Calculate the area and then apply the hydraulic radius formula.

6. 6.

   Illustrate the impact of a dam breaking on open channel flow characteristics, detailing the flow behavior transition from unsteady to steady.

   Hint

   Think about how water courses change when a barrier is removed.