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Exact solutions for normal depth problem

a b
B. Achour & A. Bedjaoui
a
Research Laboratory in Subterranean and Surface Hydraulics , Biskra University , B.P.
145, R.P., 07000, Algeria E-mail:
b
Research Laboratory in Subterranean and Surface Hydraulics , Biskra University,
Algeria , B.P. 145, R.P., 07000
Published online: 26 Apr 2010.

To cite this article: B. Achour & A. Bedjaoui (2006) Exact solutions for normal depth problem, Journal of Hydraulic
Research, 44:5, 715-717, DOI: 10.1080/00221686.2006.9521721

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2006.9521721

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 Journal of Hydraulic Research Vol. 44, No. 5 (2006), pp. 715–717
© 2006 International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research

Discussion

Exact solutions for normal depth problem

By PRABHATA K. SWAMEE and PUSHPA N. RATHIE, Journal of Hydraulic Research, Volume 42, 2004, Issue 5, pp. 541–548

Discussers:
B. ACHOUR, Professor, Research Laboratory in Subterranean and Surface Hydraulics, Biskra University,
B.P. 145, R.P., 07000, Algeria. E-mail: bachir.achour@larhyss.net
A. BEDJAOUI, PhD Student, Research Laboratory in Subterranean and Surface Hydraulics, Biskra University,
B.P. 145, R.P., 07000, Algeria
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The dimensionally consistent uniform flow relationship Q = ϕ P = LP ∗ (1.5)

(So , ε, A, R, ν) can be established by the only use of the Darcy–
in which L is the linear dimension such as the bed width b of
Weisbach formula, thereby, accounting for the friction factor
a rectangular channel or the diameter D of a circular section,
f according to Colebrook–White equation. Nevertheless, as it
etc. Both of the non-dimensional parameters A∗ and P ∗ depend
will be shown, the discussers’ relation (1.19) differs from the
solely on the relative normal depth. Inserting Eqs (1.4) and (1.5)
authors’ equation (5) in the first term in parenthesis. This may
into Eq. (1.1) and rearranging, results in:
be explained by the restrictions which led to the establishment of 
Hager’s inequality, numbered (2) by the authors, along with 1.5% L = (f/8)1/5 (Q/ gSo )2/5 (P ∗ /A∗3 )1/5 (1.6)
of deviation between friction factor values for complete turbulent
whereas the combination of Eqs (1.3) and (1.5) leads to:
state and transitional state flow was assumed. Moreover, the same
inequality (2) is theoretically valid as long as Reynolds number 4Q
Re = (1.7)
Re varies within the confined range 1 × 104 to 1 × 107 . Further- LP ∗ ν
more, relating Chezy’s constant C to the known characteristics
of a chosen referential rough channel, the relative normal depth Referential rough channel
can be determined using authors’ explicit equations.
With the subscript “r” we refer to a referential rough chan-
Basic equations nel characterized by εr /Rr = 0.148 as the arbitrarily assigned
relative roughness value. Moreover, assuming a complete tur-
The Darcy–Weisbach formula and the Colebrook–White bulent state flow, the friction factor fr is given by Eq. (1.2) for
equation are expressed, respectively, by: Rr → ∞, implying fr = 1/16. Thus, with the aid of Eqs (1.4)
and (1.5), Eq. (1.1) gives the following expression of the linear
f P 2
So = Q (1.1) dimension Lr :
8g A3   2/5 ∗ ∗3 1/5

 Lr = (128)−1/5 Qr / gSo,r (Pr /Ar ) (1.8)
ε 2.51
f −1/2 = −2 log + √ (1.2)
14.8R Re f According to (1.7), the Reynolds number Rer can be expressed as:
where Q is the discharge, So is the energy slope, ε is the absolute
Rer = 4Qr /(Lr Pr∗ ν) (1.9)
roughness, P is the wetted perimeter, A is the water area, R is the
hydraulic radius, ν is the kinematic viscosity, g is the acceleration On the other hand, eliminating Qr from Eqs (1.8) and (1.9),
due to gravity, and Re is the Reynolds number. The latter is leads to:

defined by: √ gSo,r L3r ∗ ∗ 3/2
Rer = 32 2 (Ar /Pr ) (1.10)
4Q ν
Re = (1.3)
Pν which can be rewritten, with the aid of Eqs (1.4) and (1.5), as
For any shape of channel section, the geometric elements follows:
A and P can be written, respectively, as: 
√ gSo,r R3r
Rer = 32 2 (1.11)
A = L2 A∗ (1.4) ν

715
 716 Swamee and Rathie

Dimensionally consistent uniform flow relationship Comparing Eq. (1.19) with Chezy’s relation, the Chezy’s constant
C can be written as:
Let us assume So,r = So , Lr = L, βn,r = βn (ηn = ηn,r for

 ε 10.04
the circular section) for Qr  = Q and obviously Re = Rer . C = −4 2g log + (1.22)
14.8R Rer
Consequently, one may write A∗r = A∗ , Pr∗ = P ∗ and Rr = R.
or as:
Combining Eqs (1.6) and (1.8), we thus derive:
C = Cr ψQ (1.23)
Q = ψQ Qr (1.12)
On the other hand, comparing Eq. (1.19) with Manning’s
where ψQ is expressed by: equation, the roughness coefficient n is obtained as:


1 1  ε 10.04
ψQ = √ (1.13) = −4 2gR1/6 log + (1.24)
4 f n 14.8R Rer
whereas Qr is given by: or as:
  −1
Qr = 8 2g So L5 (A∗3 /P ∗ )1/2 (1.14) n = nr ψQ (1.25)

In view of Eq. (1.12), the discharge Q is equal to the corrected in which:

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discharge Qr for effect of ψQ . The latter must be then considered 

nr = (8 2g)−1 R1/6 (1.26)
as a non-dimensional correction factor of discharge. Moreover,
Eq. (1.14) can be simply rewritten as follows:
  Computation of the relative normal depth
Qr = 8 2gA RSo (1.15)
√ The relative normal depth can be worked out, once the following
which has the form of Chezy’s equation with Cr = 8 2g as the
Chezy’s constant. improved friction factor relationship is assumed:
On the other hand, Eqs (1.7), (1.9), and (1.12) lead to:

1 ε/Rr 10.04
√ = −2 log + 3/2 (1.27)
f 14.8ψ ψ Rer
Re = ψQ Rer (1.16)
In which:
Inserting Eqs (1.13) and (1.16) into Eq. (1.2), we derive the 

ε/Rr 8.5 −2/5
following ψQ (ε/R, Rer ) explicit relationship: ψ∼
= 1.35 − log + (1.28)

 19 Rer
1 ε 10.04
ψQ = − log + (1.17) For R ≥ 2300 and for the wide range 0 ≤ ε/R ≤ 0.20, it
2 14.8R Rer
was observed that the deviation between Eqs (1.2) and (1.27)
With the aid of Eqs (1.16) and (1.17), we derive the following is negligible. Thus, applying Eq. (1.27), one may consider the
Reynolds number equation: obtained values of f as practically exact. Furthermore, the
√

 Chezy’s constant C = 8g/f is obtained as:
1 ε 10.04

Re = − Rer log + (1.18)  ε/Rr 10.04
2 14.8R Rer C = −4 2g log + (1.29)
14.8ψ ψ3/2 Rer
From Eqs (1.12), (1.15), and (1.17), the following dimensionally
Thus, to compute the relative normal depth for the given values
consistent uniform flow equation is deduced:
of Q, So , L, ε, and ν, the following steps are recommended,


 ε 10.04 assuming Qr = Q, So,r = So , and L = Lr :
Q = −4 2gA RSo log + (1.19)
14.8R Rer
1. Knowing Q, So , L, and Cr , authors’ explicit equations (21),
in which Rer is given by either Eq. (1.9) for Qr = Q, Lr = L (22), (40), (43), and (58) give the value of the corresponding
and Pr∗ = P ∗ , or Eq. (1.11) for So,r = So and Rr = R, whence: normal depth of the flow in the considered referential rough
 channel. Furthermore, the hydraulic radius Rr can be, then,
√ gSo R3
Rer = 32 2 (1.20) worked out.
ν 2. With So and Rr , Eq. (1.11) gives the value of Rer .
Inserting Eq. (1.17) into Eq. (1.13), the friction factor relationship 3. Knowing Rr , Rer , and ε, the parameter ψ is obtained using
is obtained as: Eq. (1.28).

 4. Inserting the values of Rr , ε, and ψ into Eq. (1.29), gives the
1 ε 10.04
√ = −2 log + (1.21) value of Chezy’s constant C.
f 14.8R Rer 5. Knowing Q, So , L, and C, authors’ explicit equations (21),
When So , ε, ν, and R are given, Eq. (1.21) allows, then, a direct (22), (40), (43), and (58) give finally the corresponding
determination of the exact friction factor value for R ≥ 2300. relative normal depth.
 Discussion: Exact solutions for normal depth problem 717

Reply by the Authors For derivation of Eq. (5) of the paper, the discussers may
see Swamee (1994), which is on similar lines as given by the
The authors are very much grateful to Achour and Bedjaoui for discussers.
their discussion. The derivation of Eq. (1.19) by the discussers
uses Colebrook equation, which is valid for pipe flow. For open-
channel flow, the corresponding resistance equation given by References
Anonymous (1963) is

 1. Anonymous (1963) “Friction Factors in Open Channels:
ε 0.625ν −2
f = 1.325 ln + √ (1.30) Progress Report of Task Force on Friction Factors in Open
12R VR f
Channels”. J. Hydraul. Eng. Div., ASCE 89(2), 97–143.
Equation (5) of the paper is based on Eq. (1.30). Thus, the 2. Swamee, P.K. (1994). “Normal Depth Equations for Irriga-
discussers’ Eq. (1.19) is not applicable to open-channel flow. tion Canals”. J. Irrig. Drain. Eng., ASCE, 120(5), 942–948.
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