3.5. Specific Energy Diagram

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the formula for specific energy?

   Hint

   Think about how depth and elevation contribute to overall energy.

2. 2.

   Define subcritical flow.

   Hint

   Consider the relationship between velocity and energy.

3. 3.

   What is specific energy?

   • Energy per unit mass
   • Energy per unit time
   • Energy per unit weight

   Hint

   Think about energy related to weight rather than mass.

4. 4.

   True or False: Supercritical flow always occurs at a higher depth compared to subcritical flow.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember the relationship between depth and flow velocity.

5. 5.

   Given a rectangular channel with a flow rate of 6 feet²/s and a depth of 2.5 feet, calculate y2 using Bernoulli's equation and describe the implications of your results.

   Hint

   Set up the equations clearly, combine and rearrange.

6. 6.

   If the ramp's height is increased to 0.75 feet, discuss how this affects flow regimes and specific energy calculations.

   Hint

   Consider the principles learned about energy and physical flow behavior.