Structure

9.1 Introduction
Objectives
9.2 Transitions
9.3 Subcritical and SupercriticalFlows
9.3.1 Submiticd Flow wirh a Hump
0.3.2 Supmitical Flow with a Hump
9.53 Transition with a Change ia Width
9.3.4 Supercritical Flow in a Width Coilstridion
9.3.5 Choking Condition
9.4 Flow Measurement
9.4.1 Venturi F k m e
9.4.2 Standing Wave Flume or Critical Dep& Flume
9.4.3 Parshall Flume
9.5 Contractions and Expansions
9.6 Summary
9.7 Key Words
9.8 Answers to SAQs

9.1 INTRODUCTION
Transitions are introduced in open channels to achieve easy and efficient change-over from
one condidion of flow to the other, which is basically necessitated by practical
considerations. In this unit we are going to discuss the basic principles underlying different
types of open channel transitions; and the effect of a transition on the flow conditions both
upstream and downstream of itself. Moreover, the use of trmsitions under practical
applications is brought home with the help of a few solved examples.
Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to :
recognise the types of a charnel uansition,
explain the variatio~of the depth of flow both at upstream and downstream of a
hump (a short-length rise in bed level), and also along the length of other types
of transitions for both subcritical and suprridcal approaching flows because
these two states of flow, severdly. govern the associated change of depth,
* appreciate the use of a transition (with or without a change in its bed lev&) as a
flow-measuring dew* (i.e., as a metering device), and
design a contract& as well as an expanding uansition according to the needs of
a given field situation.

9.2 TRANSITIONS
In case of a long channel, it often kmmes necessary to provide transitions while
: negotiating a given te~rain.A transition is that portion (with varying cross-section) of the
channel which coraects one prismatic channel lo the other (which may or may not have the
same cross sectional form or dimensions). The variation of the channel section may be
caused either by reducing or increasing the width or by raising or lowering the bottom of the
channel. Various channel transitions may be broadly classified as sudden and gradual
transitions. Sudden transitions are those in which the change of cross-sectional dimensions
o m Ina relatively short length. On the other hand, in case of gradual transitions the
change of cross-sectional area takes place gradually in a relatively long length of channel.
Some of the functions which channel transitions are made to serve are :
Traositiom aud Control i) meiering of flow,
Struetam and Surges
ii) disbipation of energy,
iii) redbction or increase of velocities, and
iv) chmge in channel section or alignment with a minimum of energy dissipation and
lea$t disturbance in the flow regime.
Some of t$e devices commonly used for measuring discharge, flowing in channels, are
venturi flume, standing wave flume and Parshall flume which basically introduce a
transition /in the flow system These will he explained in detail later in this unit. The
dissipatioh of energy, by means of a transition, may be caused by providing a sudden drop
in the cha$nel bottom. In the case of imgation channels, in order to prevent scouring,
velocities Be required to be reduced, while for navigational channels in order to prevent
shoaling, bigher velocities are required to be developed. Such reduction or increase of
velocities may be made possible by expansion or contraction of the channel section. The
change in channel section with a minimum of energy dissipation is obtained by providing a
gradual amtraction with well rounded entrance section, and very gradual expansion. One of
the practidal examples where such transitions are provided is an aqueduct which is a
structure donstmcted to carry an irrigation canal across a natural drain. The width of a canal
over an aqpeduct is required to be reduced for considerations of economy. This is
accomplished by providing a transition. Apart from the above mentioned transitions, often a
channel cmss section may be reduced if a bridge is to be constructed (with piers) over the
channel. Sbme of the channel traasitions, that will be discussed herein, are shown below in
Figure 9.1

N////////////////

(i) SUDDEN CONTRACTION

/////////

k (ii) SUDDEN EXPANSION

//T

dii) GRADUAL CONTRACTION Ov) GRADUAL EXPANSION

( V ) CONSTRICTION ( v i ) ERIDGE PIER

9.3 S ~ C R I T I C A LAND SUPERCRITICAL FLOWS

We have alieady studied the concept of specific energy and critical depth earlier. The
concept will be useful presently in the analysis of problems involving transitions. A
transition, @ pointed out above, may entail a channel expansion or a contraction; and the
state of the approaching flow which could be subcritical or supercritical, has a governing
 Channel Transitions
influence on the flow conditions in the transitions. Let us begin the analysis with the
approaching flow being subcriticd.

Figure 9.2 :Charnel Transition with a Hump

9.3.1 Subcritical Flow with a Hump

Consider a horizontal rectangular channel of width b carrying a discharge Q at an inlet
depth y,; and let the state of approaching flow be subcritical. At section 2 (Figure 9.2), let
there be a smooth hump of height A Z on the floor. Since no energy loss between sections
(1) and (2) is considered (assuming this very short reach of the channel to be frictionless),
h e presence of a hump causes the specific energy (with reference to the top of the hump) at
section (2) to decrease only by A Z . n u s , the specific energies at sections (1) and (2)
respectively, are given by :

and, E2 = E, - A2 ...(9.1)
As the flow is subcritical, the water surface will drop due to a decrease in the specific
energy (Figure 9.3). It is easy to envisage that the upstream water surface at section (1) -
point P in the Figure - will come down to point R at section (2); and depth y, will be given
by :

Figuse 9.3 :Sped& EoePgy Diagram

Tsensilions m d c ~ t d Figure 9.3 dso shows tkat as the value of A Z increases, the depth y, (at section (2)) must
.rilwet~aresa d Sorges
decrease.
The minimub depth is reached when point R coincides with point C - the.criticaldegth
point on the specific energy diagram. At this flow condition, it is obvious, the height of the
hump will b+ maximum (= ~ ,=, Uc)with reference to no change being imposed on the
upstream depth of flow @,); and we can write :

y, = yc = Critical depth for the given discharge intensity q

and obviously for constant bed width (b)
ad, E2=Ec
We CM alsoexpressthe condition, when A 2 = 4,, as:

It is pertineqt to investigate the situation when A2 > 6, . 5 3 indicates that under

Figure
this conditiop (with the given upstream depth of flow), no flow is possible, i.e., no depth of
flow can exi t (for the given dist:harge) having a specific energy less than Ec (the minimum
.R,
attainable). us, the upstream depth of flow has to increase to cause an increase in the
specific eneqgy at section (1). Let the modified depth bey;, so that, to accommodate the
increased height of the hump, and to at least provide the minimum possible energy (E,), for
the given Q , at section (2), we have :

which is the bnergy given by equation (9.3).

~ u m n r a ~ ithe
r / discussion
~ we Rave :
1) For 0 K A2 < A&,,, ,the upstream water level remains stationary at a value equal to
y1, wliile the depth at section 2 reaches a mininlurn value of y, with A2 increasing
and atffainirnga value equal to &(= M,); and
2) For 42 further increasing, i.e., for A 2 > , yl will change to yi (> yl) while
y2 will continue to remain at a value equal to y,. This response of the upstream depth
of fio$v, to the increasing values of AZ is depicted in Figure 9.4.

9 SUB CRITICAL FLOW

Fiure 9.4 :Variation ofgl d g z in Sobcritieal Elow over a Hump

 Example 9.1
I
A rectangular channel has a width of 2.0 m carrying a discharge of 5 cumecs with a
1 depth of 1.25 m. At a certain section of the channel a small smooth hump, with &flat
, top and a height of 0.10 m, is proposed to be built. What is the likely charge in the
I water surface, neglecting any loss of energy ?
I Solution
Let suffixes 1 and 2 refer to upstream and dowmtream sections, respectively.
5
, Discharge/uit width, q = - = 2.50 m3/s/m
2.0

Hence, the upstream flow is subcritical, and the hump will cause a drop in the water
surface elevation while the flow passes over the hump.

We observe that the minimum specific energy at section 2, E, c E2 which is being

the available specific energy there (prior to the construction of the hump). Therefore,
y, will be >y, ,and the upstream depth y, will remain unchanged (as explained
earlier). Now, y2 is computed by solving the specific energy relation as shown below :

yz
$ = E,
+-
2~

Solving by trial and error, we get :

y2 = 1.075 m
Thus, the depth of water at the proposed hump site shall decrease by 0.175 m after
the hump is built.

E 9.3.2 Supercritical Flow with a Hump

Let us now analyse the problem in the channel transition (with a hump, but no change in the
channel width) when the state of approaching flow is supercritical, i.e., y,, the inlet depth
will have its Froude Number greater than 1. Figure 9.3 shows that the depth of flow
increases (by AZ) due to the reduction in the specific energy (for, say, the same discharge
flowing in a supemitical state). Let in Figure 9.3 point P, correspond toy,, and point R1 to
the depth at section 2. Upto the limit y,, the magnitude of y2 goes on increasing with
increasing A 2 - attaining a value of y, at A 2 = Mm, .It is obvious that for A 2 > A2,, ,y,
Traasiliom and Contml shall mainbin itself atthe value yc, but causing the upstream depth y, to change to a lower
Stmctures and Surges
value y; (i.e., y,' < y,) to have a higher specific energy E; (i.e., E; > El) in order to
maintain h e flow at yc over the hump. Figure 9.5 depicts the variation in y, and y, with the
change in the value of AZ while the approaching flow is supercritical.
It is impodtant to point out that for A2 > AZ,, (with an approaching flow in a supercritical
state) there is every possibility of a jump fornution with increased choking condition due to
AZ incresing beyond AZ,, ,and the flow becoming very unstable at the critical state over
the hump.Hence, the theoretical analysis, indicated above, cannot predict the conditions as
confidently as it would theoretically seem to be capable of doing.

A
SUPER CRITICAL FLOW

AZ - T

I
Figure 9.5 :Variation ofyl and yz in Supercritical Flow over a Hump

9.3.3 Ttansition with a Change in Width

Let us now consider a subcritical flow in a width constriction. Consider a frictionless
horizontalchannel of width b, carrying a discharge Q at a depth y, as shown in Figure 9.6.
At section2, the channel width stands constricted to b, through a smooth'transition.

PLAN

-t- - ---- ---- ---- - ---

ENERGY LINE----- -

LONGITUDINAL SECT ION

Figure 9.6 :T-ition with Width Comtriclion

t
Since ther are no losses involved and since the bed elevations at sections 1 and 2 are same,
the specifi energy at section 1 (El) is equal to Ule specific energy at section 2 (E,), where
' and.

With reference to a rectangular channel it is useful to analyse the flow in terms of discharge
intensity, q = At section 1, q - P .and at section 2, q - ; and since b2 < b, , q2
b' - bl - b2
has to be greater than q,. In the specific energy diagram (Figure 9.7) the discharge intensity
is shown as a third parameter, which will be helpful in explaining the changes in the depth
of flow in the case of width constrictions that give rise to changes in q. Let
q1 - curve correspond to depth y, with specific energy E,. Since at section 2

discharge intensity q2 [= f)] E, = E,, the point IJ will move down vertidlYto a position
indicated by point R (o @,-curve)to correspond to depth y,

t
Y
SUBCRITICAL FLOW

YI-- - - - --- --- //SUPER CRITICAL FLOW

,,?
,' FOR E l

I E-

Figme 9.7 :Sped6c Energy Diagram

Thus, in subcritical state, y2 < yl (as also in the case of a hump). Let b, be made smaller still
(i.e., increasing q, further), and it is obvious that y, will register further decrease. This
phenomenon shall repeat itself till b, is reduced to a minimum possible value, i.e.,
b2= b., This limit of the contracted width is, obviously, reached when, corresponding to
given El, the discharge intensity q, equals q, - the maximum discharge intensity for the
given specific energy (E,), i.e., attaining of critical-flow condition at the constriction.
Therefore. at this minimum channel width, we can write :

and,

(It may be noted that for every discharge intensity there is a particular value of y, .)
We know that for a rectangular channel :
Transitions and Control
Structures and Surges

and, also

However, if b, < b, the discharge intensity (17,) will be greater than q,,,,, (the maximum
intensity consistent with E,); therefore, no such flow will be possible under the given 1
upstream cpnditions. Therefore, the upstream depth will have to regislar an increase, and
attain a valpe y; (> y,) so that the new specific energy (E; ) givcn by .

is attained by the upstream flow which will be just sufficient to cause a crit~calflow at
2
section 2. I/t may be noted that the new critical depth at section 2, y: = - El. Therefore,
3
even though critical flow prevails at section 2, for all h, < b,,,,,, the dcpth of flow at this
section is riot constant (as also happens in the case of flow over a hump), but increases with
increasing y; (and, hence increasing E;). Figure 9.8 shows the lrend of variation of y,, y,
62
and E with respect to - .
bl
CIFIC ENERGY
I
I
I

W
t
0
L
I
4

h"
CI
I .C1
h

I
Figure 9.8 :Variation ofyl and yz in Subcritical Flow in a Width Convtriction

9.3.4 Supercritical Flow in a Width Constriction

If the upstream depth y, is in a supercritical flow regime, a reduction of flow width (i.e.,
increasing me discharge intensity) causes a rise in y,. In Figure 9.7, let point P' correspond
to y,, and point K toy,. As the width b, is decreased, K moves up till it coincides with point
 C , is., flow a1 section 2now becomes critical when b, = 6, ., Any further reduction in b2 Channel Transitions
causes the upstream depth to decrease toy,' (< y,)-point P",so that E, increases to
E,' (El'> El);however, at-section 2, critical depth ',y (corresponding to the new specific
energy El') will prevail. Figure 9.9 shows the variation of y,, y, and E with respect to b, / b ,
with the approaching flow being supercritical.
As mentioned in sub-section 9.3.2, the flow becomes increasingly unstable with AZ
increasing beyond AZm; md, therefore, giving rise to the possibility of ajump formation,
throwing all nezt theoreticd visualisations awry.

L SUPER CRITICAL FLOW

Figure 9.9 :Vluiafionofyt and yz in Supercritical Row in a Width Constriction

93.5 Choking Condition

In the case of a channel with a hump as well as in the case of a width constriction, it is seen
that the upstream water surface elevation is not affected by the conditions at section 2 till a
critical stage, for the lust time with the given discharge, is reached at section 2. Thus, in the
case of a hump, for all values of A 2 IAZ,, (where, A&, = AZ,), the upstream depth of
flow (y,) remains constazlr : and, for all A2 > A&,,, , the upstream depth registers a
change, and is therefore different from y,. Similarly, in the case of a width constriction for
,,
-b2 bz bImm,y, remains constant; and for b, < b2 , y, undergoes a change.
So, whenever conditio~isat section 2 offer obstruction to flow to such an extent that y, is
affected. we say choked conditions prevail at section 2. And, we have seen that all
transitions with AZ. Y A&, (or h, <: 6,),;, work under choked conditions; and, it is to be
etr~phasisedthat Ule onset of critical condition at section 2 is a prerequisite to choking to
take place. It is easily understood bat a choked condition in a transition is undesirable, and
is to be avoided in the design of chi~1111ellransitions - the critical condition, as said earlier,
increasing the possibility of formation of a jump when it is not desired.
Example 9.2
A discharge of 15 d / s flows with a depth of 1.5 m in a rectangular channel 5 m
wide. At a downstream section the width is reduced to 4.5m and the channel bed
raised by AZ . What will be the state of water surface elevations in the transition
when :
a) LIZ = 0.10 m , and
b) AZ--0.30m
Solution

At the upstream section, velocity, Vl = - l5 - 2 m / s

(5x 1.5)
Vl 2 = 0.521
,Froude Number, Fr1= - 7
= -
(g y,) (9.81x 1.5)O."
Transitiom and Control The+fore, the upstream flow is in a subaitical state, and lhe transition will cause a
structures sod Surges
drop in the water surface elevation at section 2.

Now,
v; - 4 - 0.204 m
-----
(2xg) (2~9.81)

I
.. El = 1.5 + 0:204 = 1.704 m

Disdharge intensity at the downstream section,

So, tihe critical depth (y,) corresponding to q2

Avalable specific energy at section 2, (E2)with reference to El is given by :

~ e $ e . the depth y2 is greater than y,; and, the upstream depth will remain
u n c h g e d at y,.

Now,

Solving by trial and error, we get,

Theirefore, the contraction will be working under a choked condition. The upstream
depp must rise to create a higher total head, and maintain the depth of flow at
sectlion 2 at a critical value (y, = y,).
Let (thenew upstream depth of flow be yl'; and, we can write;
 Channel Transitions

By trial and error, we get :

y,' = 1.705 m

'Iherefore, with b2 = 4.5 m and A2 = 0.30 m, the upstream depth will rise by 0.205 m
(= 1.705 - 1.5) due to choked condition at the constriction.

SAQ 1
'Water flows in a 3 m wide rectangular channel with a depth of 2 m, and a velocity of
1 m/s. At a particular location the width is reduced to 1.8 m, and the bed is raised by
0.65 m. Estimate whether the upstrearn water level will be disturbed or not.

SAQ 2
A rectangular channel, 4 m wide, carries a discharge of 20 cumecs at a depth of 2 m.
It a hump is provided to raise its bed. what depths of flow will occur at the upstream
as well as over the hump, respectively, if thc height of the hump is :
a) 0.33 m, and
b) 0.20 m
Assume no loss of energy anywhere.

9.4 FLOW MEASUREMENT

Channel transitions are also used to measure the rate of flow (i.e., metering the flow), such
as, in chemical or juice-producing industries, and in small field channels as well. Such a
measuring channel is called a metering flume. 'Ihere are various types of suCh measuring
devices, and some important ones will be discussed in the following sub-sections.
9.4.1 Venturi Flume
Figure 9.10 shows the plan and longitudinal section of a venturi flume. It essentially has a
converging portion, connecting the main channel section to the throat (the least-wide
section of the transition), and then a diveging portion to restore the stream to its original
width. For a subcritical flow that is to be measured, we can say that at the constricted
section (i.e., the throat) there will be a drop in the water surface; and this drop in water
surface (which is analogous to the head causing flow, say over a weir) lends itself to be
related to discharge -this feature of the set-up allows it to be used as a metering device.
'Ihe device is designed to tackle a given range5f discharges so that the velocity of flow at
the throat is always less than a critical value, ensuring that the discharge is a function of the
difference between the depths of flow upstream of the entrance (i.e., the converging portion
of the set-up) and at the throat itself (the lowest water surface elevation in the system). It is
obvious that any formation of a standing wave (i.e., a hydraulic jump) at any section in the
flume.would vitiate the measurement of flow depths.
Knowing the required depths of flow, the following formula can be used to calculate the
discharge (Q) passing through the flume :
Trasitions and C D ~ I P ~ where, A, ib thc flow area at ithc entrance to the ventus3 flunw (i.:., the full-width area), A, is
S ( N L ~ Uand
~ Surges
the area of Blow section at the throat, H is Ihe depth of flow at the entrance, h is the depth of
flow at thethroat, and K is Ihe coefficicrlt of dischuge of the flume which is obtained from
the calibsatiion curve (or chart) of the flume.
*
I

,0777Zr
EL EVATION

I
I PLAN

I
Figure 9.10 :Venturi Flume
For a simp4e case of a rectangular channel equation (9.10) reduces to :

where, b, aQd b2 are the bottom widths at the entrance and throat of the flume, respectively.
9.4.2 Sqnding Wave Flume or Critical Depth Flume
A standing wave flume is a structure put up in a channel which has a rlarrow throat along
with a raiseKi floor (or hump) at the bottom as shown in Figure 9.11, acting as a broad
crested weir. The throat section is followed by a diverging transition section designed to
restore the $treamto its original width. For any discharge, within the designed range,
flowing in t/he channel, the velocity of flow at the throat of the fluine is greater than the
critical veldcity. As such a standing wave or hydraulic jump is formed at or near the
downstrearb end of the hump. Since the velocity of flow at the throat is more than the
critical veldcity, the depth of flow at a section upstream of the entrance of the flume
remains un4ffected by variations in the downstream depth (critical section being the control
section) unUil the downstream depth of submergence becomes greater than about 0.7 of the
upstream depth. It may then be concluded that as long as the downstream deplh of flow is
kept below this limiting value, as mentioned above, the discharge passing through a
standing wive flume will be a function of only the depth of flow H (above the hump) at a
section as shown in Figure 9.11. Thus, in order to determine the discharge flowing in the
channel, only the depth of flow H is required to be measured and the discharge Q may be
expressed @ : .

where, b2is the width of the throat, and C is the coefficientof discharge of the flume.

The value OF c may be approximately taken as

I
[[:fx (a?.'] a I . 7 ~making
, equation
(9.12)as:
 ELEVATION

U GAUGE
CHAMBER PLAN

&rue 9.11 :Standing Wave Flume

9.4.3 Parshall Flume

Parshall flume is one of the most widely used standing wave flumes. As shown in
Figure 9.12 the converging section of the flume has a level floor, the throat section has a
downward sloping floor while the floor in the diverging section slopes upwards. This flume
has no hump, but the upward sloping floor of the diverging section facilitates the formation
of a standing wave in this portion of the flume as shown in the Figure. For flumes of
intermediate size having downstream depth of flow (or submergence) less than 0.7 times the
upstream depth of flow, free overflow will occur and the discharge flowing through it is a
function of only the upstream depth. The depth-discharge relationship is given as

w$ere Q is free dscharge, b is the width of the throat, His the upstream depth of flow
measured at the gauge chamber shown in Figure 9.12, C and n are constants of the flume
'obtained by calibration. When the submergence exceeds the mentioned limits, the discharge
gets reduced and if the equation for the free flow condition is used to compute the
discharge, the obtained value of Q will have to be adjusted by applying a suitable factor of
correction. Standard designs for concrete flumes of various capacities are already worked
out and available for use in the field.

ELEVATION

'. - Kprc Q12 :PsrshPll Flume

Transitions and Control Example 9.3
Structures and S q e s
A Vlenturi Flume (Figure 9.13) is 1.3 m wide at entrance and 0.65 In at the throat.
Nedlecting hydraulic losses in the flume, compute the flow if the depths at the
entrance and throat are 0.65 m and 0.60 m, respectively. A hump of height 20 cm is
to be installed at the throat, so that a standing wave is formed beyond the throat.
What will be the increase in upstream depth if the same flow pmses through the
flume ?
Solution
a) From continuity equation,

Of, V2 = 2.17 Vl

Neglecting losses, specificenergy at section 1 being equal to the specific energy

I at section 2, we can write :

4.7 v;
or, - = 0.60 +-
2g

Q = 1.3 x 0.65 x 0.515 = 0.435 ni3 / s

Therefore, discharge intensity at the throat.

:Hence,the critical depth at the throat,

PLAN

ELEVATION

Figun? 9.1-3 :Venturi Flume in Example 9.3

b) After the installation of the hump, the relevant specific energy (with reference
Co the channel bed), corresponding to the critical flow at the throat can be
computed as follows :
 Specific energy =t .A2 + -23 x 0.357

It is obvious that the upstream water surface will keep rising till the upstream
specific energy equals 0.735 m (for no loss-of-energy condition) :

Solving by trial and error, we get :

y, = 0.72 m
Therefore, the increase in upstream depth of water will be

9.5 CONTRACTIONS AND EXPANSIONS

I
In channels, which are to cross natural drainages, it is essential to reduce the bed width of
the channel with a view to economise on the cost of cross-drainage works. That portion of
the channel which gradually introduces the required reduction in the bed width is known as
a contraction (or inlet transition); and, similarly, the portion that latterly restores, in a
gradual manner, the original bed width is known as an expansion (or outlet transition)
I
Figure 9.14. The function of these transitions is to avoid excessive energy losses, and to
eliminate cross waves and any undesirable turbulence that may otherwise appear.

TRANSITION OR TRANSITION OR
CONTRACTION EXPA N S l O N

PLAN
Figure 9.14 :Plan of a Cross-Drainage Work Showing Inlet and Outlet Transitiom

Inlet Trfinsition
An inlet transition, as mentioned above, is a gradual contraction through which the width of
the channel is reduced from bl to 6,. the bed being kept horizontal or given a mild slope as
per the reva ailing site conditions. As the bed width gets reduced the velocity of flow
(through the reduced - width portion), in general, may increase causing the depth of flow to
decrease -an obviously a necessary condition for flow to continue. The value of width 6,
can be designed with a view to maintaining a subcritical flow in the system. It is a general
practice that the contraction of the canal waterway should be done in such a way that the
velocity in the trough shall not be more than 3 rnls, ensuring that the flow remains
subcritical, and thus avoiding formation of a hydraulic jump. As a design criterion, the
approach transition wings are suggested not to be steeper than 300 (approximately
corresponding to a splay, in plan, of 2:1), and the outlet transition should not be steeper than
~ransitiomaod control 22.5O(appn'oximately corresponding to a splay, in plan, of 3: 1). Prof. R.S.Chaturveai
stmctol~saad Sarges proposed (on the basis of experimental results) equation (9.15) for the layout of a transition
(both at inlet as well as outlet) with a view to maintaining a constant depth of.flow in the
system (Figure 9.15).

x =
(.Ti [I - ki] ...(9.15)
(en - $3

Fiere 9.15 :Maition S k e M Explaining Eqoatioa (9.15)

This is a semi-cubical parabolic equation; here, x is measured from that end of the flume
I
which poirlts to the normal channel section, as shown in the Figure.
Outlet Tl-iinsition
In the caseof an outlet transition, the length has to be more than the length of the inlet in
order to allow a slower recovery of velocity head with reference to least eddy losses.
Example 9.4
Design the two transitSons for a canal waterway that is to cross a natural drainage.
Assbme the following specifications :
i) . Discharge in the canal = 25 cumecs
ii) Bed width of the canal = 20 m
iii) Depth of water in the canal = 1.50 m
iv) Bed width of the flume = 10.00 m
Solution
Desmgning the transitions on the basis of maintaining a constant depth of flow
(1.50 m) throughout the system, we have (with reference to equation (9.15)) :
B, = 20.00 m
Bf = 10.00 m
y = 1.5 m (i.e., without free-board)
Q = 25 m3/s
Now, V, in the flume

Heqce, velocity in the flume is less than the permissible maximum, and it is
accqptable.
Providing a splay of 2: 1, for the inlet transition, we have :

'Length of inlet transition =

1 Similarlv. for the outlet transition (splay of ?:I), we have :

Length of outlet transition =

(20 - 10) 2
2 1

For inlet, equation (9.15) becomes :

Giving different values to B,, we thus calculate the corresponding values of x as

given in the following tabular form :

Again, for outlet we Write :

from which following table is constructed :

SAQ 3
A rectangular channel 3 m wide carries a discharge of 1.85 cumecs with a depth of
flow 0.50 m. It is to cross a natural drainage, and, for this purpose find out Ule
nlaximum allowable contraction in the width without increasirlg the depth of flow in
dsc cchmnel,

SAQ 4
A rectangular channel is 3 m wide and caries a discharge of 15.00 cumecs at a depth
of 2 la. While crossir~ga natural drainage, it is proposed to reduce the channel width
10 2.0 rn and to raise ~tsbed elevation by AZ in order to obtain critical flow at the
contracted section without altering the upstream depth of flow. Compute the value of
b z.

SAQ 5
Desigi contraction and expacsiorl trmsrlions with reference to a cross drainage
ivorkl keeping the depth of flow constarlt throughout. Assume the following data :
i'; Canal discliwge = I10 culnecs
ii) Bed width of calla1 = 10 m
i ~ i ) Depth of water in the canal = 1.5 in
i v ) Bedwidthof flunledportion= 5.8m
Ransitiom amd Control
stmctclra end surges 9.6
--- SUMMARY
In this unit we un&str&various types of open channel transitions, and their uses in water
resources engineering. We &so understood the significance of the state of approaching
flow, vis-a-vis, the relationship between water surface elevations upstream and downstream
of a trmsitiob.
Ilnportant as ects about the flows through transitions (with a hump on the bed, or with a
R
constriction the channel width, or a combination of these two arrangements) were
brought out &rough a few solved examples.
Lastly, we introduced the basic principles regarding the hydraulic design of a flume (i.e., an
aqueduct) that does not cause my change in the depth of flow in the system It is important
to mention, in passing, that there are other procedures also available for the &sign of
transitions wpch allow for varying depths of flow along the system, and are not discussed
herem. ;
I

Choking Gatrdition : Whenever a critical flow occurs at the transition, the

upstream depth of flow begins to get affected by the
I
change in the depth of flow at the transition. It is,
therefore, said that a choking conditions exists at the
transition, because it now begins obstructing the flow in
the main channel.
Metering Debice : Any transition, in an open channel (hump or constriction
I with or without change in the local bed level) that
I
creates a difference in the water surface to be associated
with the amount of flow (required to be measured) in the
channel is called a metering device.

9.8-ANSWERS TO SAQs
-
SAQ 1 I

y,' = 2. I71m
SAQ 2
a) y2 = 1.366 m; f l = 2.086 m
b) y, 1.651 m; f l = 2.00 an
SAQ 3 1

2.472 I@
SAQ 4
A2 = 0.1366m