5.6. Chezy’s Equation

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the Chezy coefficient?

   Hint

   Think about how friction impacts flow.

2. 2.

   Define hydraulic radius.

   Hint

   It relates to the shape of the channel through which water flows.

3. 3.

   What is the formula associated with Chezy's Equation?

   • V = C * Rh
   • V = C * sqrt(Rh * S0)
   • V = Rh / S0

   Hint

   Look for the relationship among flow velocity, hydraulic radius, and channel slope.

4. 4.

   True or False: Chezy’s coefficient is constant for all channel types.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how friction and surface characteristics vary in different channels.

5. 5.

   Given a rectangular open channel with a width of 4 feet, a depth of 3 feet, and a bed slope of 0.01. If the Chezy coefficient is 40, calculate the velocity of the water flow.

   Hint

   Pay careful attention to how you calculate the wetted perimeter for the hydraulic radius.

6. 6.

   A channel changes from a rough texture to a smooth surface. Discuss qualitatively how this change would impact the Chezy coefficient and the flow velocity in the channel.

   Hint

   Think about friction's role in fluid flow and how surface texture alters it.