Types of Open channel flows

Hello there,

Open channel flow can be classified in the following broad categories and then the subsequent sub-categories:

1. Steady flow
2. Un-steady Flow

Further each is classified as:

1. Uniform flow
2. Non-uniform flow

Non-uniform flow or varied flow is further classified as:

1. Gradually varied flow
2. Rapidly varied flow

Now let's discuss them briefly here,

• Steady and un-steady flows  When depth of flow and velocity does not vary with time, flow is called steady flow and if depth and velocity vary with time then this is un-steady flow.

• Uniform and Non-uniform Flow When the depth,slope,cross-section and velocity remain same/constant over given length of channel, flow is called uniform flow and if they vary then this is called non-uniform flow.
• Rapidly varied flow(RVF) is the flow when the flow conditions changes significantly in a relatively short distance of the channel.
• Gradually varied flow(GVF) is the flow when the flow conditions changes gradually over a long distance of the channel.  e.g. flow behind a dam at a channel transition.

Thanks for visit!