Gradually Varied Flow Calculator

Trapezoidal channel. Plot Water depth, Velocity, Froude, Top width vs. Distance.
Compute GVF profile (M1, M2, S2, S3, C1, C3).
Compute normal and critical depths.

Register to enable "Calculate" button. Demonstration mode for default values and X_p from 0 to 1000 m (cookies must be enabled).

Photograph and Cross-Section of Trapezoidal Channel:

Gradually Varied Flow Profiles:

Units: cm=centimeter, cfs=cubic feet per second, ft=feet, gal=US gallon, gpm=US gallons per minute, gph=US gallons per hour, gpd=US gallons per day, km=kilometer, m=meter, MGD=Millions of US gallons per day, min=minute, s=second

Links on this page:  Equations   Variables  Manning n coefficients   Error messages    References

Introduction
In long prismatic (constant cross-sectional geometry) channels, flowing water will attempt to reach the "normal depth" (also known as the "uniform flow depth"). Normal depth is the water depth determined using Manning's equation (please see our other web page for design of trapezoidal channels using Manning's equation). A gradually varied flow (GVF) profile is a plot of water depth versus distance along the channel as the water depth gradually achieves normal depth. A GVF computation in a trapezoidal channel involves starting at a known depth Y_s and making successive water depth computations at small distance intervals. The method involves the continuity equation and energy slope equations. The LMNO Engineering calculation initially computes normal depth, critical depth, and GVF profile type. Then, it computes the water depth profile and plots it. The calculation also displays flow properties (depth, velocity, Froude number, etc.) at a specific location X_p entered by the user. A GVF profile is also known as a water depth profile, backwater calculation, and non-uniform flow computation. It is for steady state flows (discharge remains constant).

The LMNO Engineering calculation plots GVF profiles for M1, M2, S2, S3, C1, and C3 curves. M3 and S1 curves cross over the critical depth in order to achieve normal depth. Flows crossing the critical depth are called "rapidly varied flows" and cannot be computed using GVF methods.

Equations and Methodology
Fundamental flow equations are first presented, followed by equations for computing the critical depth Y_c and normal depth Y_n. Then, using the input value of Y_s, the GVF profile type is determined and the GVF profile is computed using the Improved Euler method. References for the equations are shown alongside the equations. Manning's equation for Y_n and the equation for the friction slope S_f are empirical; they are shown in the form that uses meters and seconds for units. Units for all other equations can be from any consistent set of units.

Fundamental equations
The following equations are always valid for trapezoidal channels (Chanson, 1999; Chow, 1959; Simon and Korom, 1997):

Critical depth computation
To compute critical depth Y_c the Froude number F is set to 1.0. Then, we use the Newton method (Kahaner, Moler, and Nash, 1989; Rao, 1985) along with the fundamental equations above to solve for Y_c.

Normal depth computation
To compute normal depth Y_n a cubic solution technique (Rao, 1985) is used to solve the fundamental equations above in conjunction with the Manning Equation (Chanson, 1999; Chaudhry, 1993; Chow, 1959; Simon and Korom, 1997):

Gradually varied flow profile determination (Chanson, 1999; Chaudhry, 1993; Chow, 1959; Simon and Korom, 1997):
If Y_n>Y_c, then the channel is considered to have a mild (M) slope. If Y_n<Y_c, the slope is steep (S). If Y_n=Y_c, then the slope is termed critical (C). The slopes are further classified by a number (1, 2, or 3) as follows:

For mild slopes (Y_n>Y_c):
If Y_s>Y_n, then the slope is an M1. The GVF calculation starts downstream at X_max at a depth of Y_s and proceeds upstream to X=0. The water depth gets closer to Y_n as the calculation proceeds further and further upstream.

If Y_n>Y_s >Y_c, then the slope is an M2. The GVF calculation starts downstream at X_max at a depth of Y_s and proceeds upstream to X=0. The water depth gets closer to Y_n as the calculation proceeds further and further upstream.

If Y_c>Y_s, then the slope is an M3. This is an unstable GVF calculation since the water depth begins below both Y_n and Y_c. Since the slope is mild, an hydraulic jump will occur. Hydraulic jumps are rapidly varied flow situations that cannot be modeled by a GVF calculator. Therefore, the message, "Cannot plot S1 or M3", will be shown.

For steep slopes (Y_c>Y_n):
If Y_s>Y_c, then the slope is an S1. This is an unstable GVF calculation since the water depth begins above both Y_c and Y_n. Since the slope is steep, the water depth will have to pass through the critical depth in order to reach the normal depth. Passing through the critical depth is a rapidly varied flow situation that cannot be modeled by a GVF calculator. Therefore, the message, "Cannot plot S1 or M3", will be shown.

If Y_c>Y_s>Y_n, then the slope is an S2. The GVF calculation starts upstream at X=0 at a depth of Y_s and proceeds downstream to X_max. The water depth gets closer to Y_n as the calculation proceeds further and further downstream.

If Y_n>Y_s, then the slope is an S3. The GVF calculation starts upstream at X=0 at a depth of Y_s and proceeds downstream to X_max. The water depth gets closer to Y_n as the calculation proceeds further and further downstream.

For critical slopes (Y_c=Y_n):
If Y_s>Y_c, then the slope is a C1. The GVF calculation starts downstream at X_max at a depth of Y_s and proceeds upstream to X=0. The water depth gets closer to Y_n as the calculation proceeds further and further upstream.

If Y_c>Y_s, then the slope is a C3. The GVF calculation starts upstream at X=0 at a depth of Y_s and proceeds downstream to X_max. The water depth gets closer to Y_n as the calculation proceeds further and further downstream.

There is no such thing as a C2 slope - since Y_c=Y_n, Y_s cannot be between Y_c and Y_n.

Gradually varied flow profile (graph) computation
To compute the gradually varied flow profile (graph), the Improved Euler method (Chaudhry, 1993) is used:

At control section, i=1 and Y_i=Y_s.
Repeat for i=2 to n in increments of distance dX where dX is negative for downstream control and dX is positive for upstream control.
Compute T_i, A_i, and P_i using the fundamental equations shown above using Y=Y_i.
Compute the friction slope, depth increment, and intermediate depth (note: for the friction slope equation shown, the friction slope variables must be in meters and seconds):

Compute T₂, A₂, and P₂ using the fundamental equations shown above with Y=Y₂. Then, compute the friction slope based on T₂, A₂, and P₂ followed by computation of a second depth increment. Finally, compute the water depth, Y_i+1 by using the average of the two differential depth increments (this is the basis of the Improved Euler method).

Then repeat the loop by incrementing i.

The LMNO Engineering calculation uses an unequal node spacing so that more nodes are used at the beginning of the calculation to improve accuracy. The first node spacing is approximately 10^-10 m, and there are 4500 distance increments. The results have been checked against hand calculations, spreadsheets, and results shown in Chaudhry (1993), Chow (1959), French (1985), Henderson (1966), and Simon and Korom (1997).


Variables             Back to calculation
Variables are shown below in SI units (metric). If you work through the above equations by hand, use the SI units shown - since many of the equations are empirical and are valid only with the indicated units. (The calculation performs internal unit conversions which allow you to select a variety of different units.)
A = Channel cross-sectional area [m²].
A_i = Area computed at successive i intervals in Improved Euler method [m²].
A_p = Area at X_p [m²].
A₂ = Area for intermediate computation in Improved Euler method [m²].
dX = Distance increment for Improved Euler method [m]. Negative for M1, M2, and C1 since computation proceeds upstream. Positive for S2, S3, and C3 since computation proceeds downstream
(dY/dX)₁ = First depth increment for Improved Euler method [m].
(dY/dX)₂ = Second depth increment for Improved Euler method [m].
B = Channel bottom width [m].
E = Elevation [m]. The calculation automatically sets the channel invert elevation to 0.0 at X_max.
E_pi = Elevation of channel invert at X_p [m]. Invert means bottom of the channel.
E_py = Elevation of water surface at X_p [m].
F = Froude number [dimensionless].
F_p = Froude number at X_p [dimensionless].
g = Acceleration due to gravity, 9.8066 m/s².
i = Loop index for computing GVF profile.
n = Manning's n value [dimensionless]. See table below for values.
P = Channel wetted perimeter [m].
P_i = Wetted perimeter computed at successive i intervals in Improved Euler method [m].
P₂ = Second wetted perimeter computed in Improved Euler method [m].
Q = Discharge (flowrate) of water in the channel [m³/s].
S_o = Slope of bottom of channel (vertical to horizontal ratio) [m/m].
S_f1 = First energy slope for Improved Euler method [dimensionless].
S_f2 = Second energy slope for Improved Euler method [dimensionless].
T = Top width of water in channel [m].
T_i = Top width computed at successive i intervals in Improved Euler method [m].
T₂ = Second top width computed in Improved Euler method [m].
T_p = Top width at X_p [m].
V = Average velocity of water [m/s].
V_p = Velocity at X_p [m/s].
X = Distance along channel [m].
X_max = Maximum distance for computing GVF profile [m]. Profile is always plotted from X=0 to X_max. For M1, M2, and C1 profiles, Y_s is at X=X_max. For S2, S3, and C3 profiles, Y_s is at X=0.
X_p = Distance entered by user for showing channel properties [m]. Cannot exceed X_max. If user enters X_p>X_max, the calculation will automatically set X_p to X_max.
Y = Water depth [m].
Y_c = Critical depth [m].
Y_i = Water depth computed at successive i intervals in Improved Euler method [m].
Y_n = Normal depth [m].
Y_p = Depth at X_p [m].
Y_s = Starting depth [m]. This is also known as the depth at the control section. It is the depth that GVF calculations start at.
Y₂ = Second depth computed in Improved Euler method [m].
Z₁ = One channel side slope (horizontal to vertical ratio) [m/m].
Z₂ = The other channel side slope (horizontal to vertical ratio) [m/m].

Manning n Coefficients                Back to calculation
The Manning's n coefficients were compiled from Chaudhry (1993), Chow (1959), French (1985), and Mays (1999).

Error Messages                   Back to calculation
Initial input checks. The following messages are generated from improper input values:
"Need 1e-20<Q<1e50 m³/s", "Need 1e-20<B<1e6 m", "Need Z₁, Z₂ ≥0", "Z₁, Z₂ cannot both be 0", "Need 1e-9<n<20", "Need 1e-20<S_o<1e99", "Need 0.001<X_max<1e6 m", "Need 1e-20<Y_s<100 m", "Need X_p≥0".

Run-time messages. The following messages may be generated during execution:
"Infeasible input". Inputs are unusually large or small causing the program to have trouble computing Y_n or Y_c.
"Cannot plot S1 or M3". As discussed above, these two GVF profiles encounter rapidly varied flow where the water depth crosses through critical depth.
"No graph. Y_s=Y_n". This is a uniform flow situation, not a GVF calculation. Water depth will remain at normal depth, so the GVF profile is not computed. One would expect this message to occur if Y_n is copied into the Y_s field. However, the message may not appear since Y_n is shown to only 8 significant figures but is stored internally to 18 significant figures.
"Y_n at x=874.231 m". This is the distance where the water depth is within 0.01% of the normal depth.

References                Back to calculation
Chanson, H. 1999. The Hydraulics of Open Channel Flow. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Chaudhry, M. H. 1993. Open-Channel Flow. Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Chow, V. T. 1959. Open-Channel Hydraulics. McGraw-Hill, Inc. (the classic text)

French, R. H. 1985. Open-Channel Hydraulics. McGraw-Hill Book Co.

Henderson, F. M. 1966. Open Channel Flow. MacMillan Publishing Co.

Kahaner, D, C. Moler, and S. Nash. 1989. Numerical Methods and Software. Prentice-Hall, Inc. 2ed.

Mays, L. W. editor. 1999. Hydraulic design handbook. McGraw-Hill Book Co.

Rao, S. 1985. Optimization: Theory and Applications. Wiley Eastern Limited. 2ed.

Simon, A. and S. Korom. 1997. Hydraulics. Prentice-Hall, Inc. 4ed.

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Please contact us for consulting or questions about gradually varied flow.

LMNO Engineering, Research, and Software, Ltd.
7860 Angel Ridge Rd.   Athens, Ohio 45701  USA   Phone: (740) 707-2614
LMNO@LMNOeng.com    https://www.LMNOeng.com

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