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Gradually Varied Flow (GVF) Computations
INTRODUCTION
Almost all major hydraulic-engineering activities in free-surface flow involve the computation of
GVF profiles.
Some examples use of GVF profiles are - determination of the effect of a hydraulic structure on
the flow pattern in the channels, inundation of lands due to a dam or weir construction, and
estimation of the flood zone.
The various available procedures for computing GVF profiles can be classified as:
1) Direct integration
2) Numerical method
3) Graphical method
Out of these the graphical method is practically obsolete and is seldom used.
Further, the numerical method is the most extensively used technique. In the form of a host of
available comprehensive softwares, it is the only method available to solve practical problems in
natural channels.
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SIMPLE NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS OF GVF PROBLEMS
The numerical solution procedures to solve GVF problems can be broadly classified into two
categories as:
Simple Numerical Methods
These were developed primarily for hand computation.
They usually attempt to solve the energy equation either in the form of the differential
energy equation of GVF or in the form of the Bernoulli equation.
Advanced Numerical Methods
These are normally suitable for use in digital computers as they involve a large number
of repeated calculations.
They attempt to solve the differential equation of GVF.
Two commonly used simple numerical methods to solve GVF problems, viz.
1) Direct-step method and
2) Standard-step method
Direct-Step Method
This method is possibly the simplest and is suitable for use in prismatic channels.
𝑑𝐸
Consider the differential-energy equation of GVF, = 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓
𝑑𝑥
∆𝐸
Writing this in the finite-difference form, = 𝑆0 − 𝑆𝑓 , Where 𝑆𝑓 = average-friction slope in the
∆𝑥
reach, Δx
∆𝐸
∴ ∆𝑥 = 𝑆
0 −𝑆𝑓
𝐸2 −𝐸1
And between sections 1 and 2, 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 = ∆𝑥 = 1
𝑆0 −2 𝑆𝑓1 +𝑆𝑓2
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Useful hints
The calculations must proceed upstream in sub-critical flow and downstream in supercritical flow
to keep the errors minimum.
The steps need not have the same increment in depth.
The calculations are terminated at y = (1 ± 0.01) y0
The accuracy would depend upon the number of steps chosen and also upon the distribution of
step sizes.
When calculations are done through use of a hand calculator, care must be taken in evaluating ΔE
which is a small difference of two large numbers.
Ex - A rectangular channel 9m wide discharges water at a normal depth of 3.65m. The bed slope is 1 in
4000 and Manning's n = 0.017. State the type of back water profile created by the dam and also
compute the length of (by single step) which raises the level to a height of 6.8m immediately behind
the dam. Use Direct step method.
Solution
Given : B = 9m; Normal Depth y0 = 3.65m; Bed slope S0 = 1 in 4000; Manning’s n = 0.017
(1) Discharge Q is to be calculated as shown below:
∴ Area A = (B * y0) = (9*3.65) = 32.85 m2
P = B +2y0 = 9 + (2*3.65) = 16.3m
R = A/P = 32.85/16.3 = 2.02m
1
1 1 1 2
2 1 2
V= R 3 S0 2 = ∗ 2.02 3 ∗ = 1.48 m/s
n 0.017 4000
Q = AV = 32.85 * 1.48 = 48.75 m3/s
𝑄2 𝐴3 48.752 9𝑦𝑐 3
(2) Next, calculate (yc) by using the formula, = ∴ = 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ, 𝑦𝑐 = 1.44𝑚
𝑔 𝑇 9.81 9
(3) Actual depth (y) near the dam is 6.8m.
Thus y > y0 > yc and hence, it is M1-profile.
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For GVF profile, calculations should be from y = 1.01*y0 = 1.01 * 3.65 = 3.6865m to y = 6.8m
A=By P=B+2y V=Q/A 𝑽𝟐
y R=A/P 𝑬=𝒚+ ∆𝑬 = 𝑬𝟐 − 𝑬𝟏
=9y =9+2y =48.75/A 𝟐𝒈
(m) (m) (m2) (m) (m/s) (m) (m)
(1) (2)=9*(1) (3)=9+2*(1) (4)=(2)/(3) (5) (6) (7)
3.6865 33.18 16.37 2.03 1.47 3.79653
6.8 61.20 22.60 2.71 0.80 6.83234 3.0358111
𝑽𝟐 ∗ 𝒏𝟐 𝑺𝒇𝟏 + 𝑺𝒇𝟐 ∆𝑬 Absolute
𝑺𝒇 = 𝑺𝒇 = ∆𝒙 = Total (x)
𝑹𝟒/𝟑 𝟐 𝑺𝟎 − 𝑺𝒇 (x)
(m) (m) (m)
(8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
0.000243
4.86E-05 0.0001459 29172 29172 29172
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Example- A rectangular channel has a bottom width of 8m, bed slope 0.0016 and Manning's n = 0.025.
It carries a discharge of 11 m3/s. Compute the length of back water profile created by a dam which
backs up a depth to 2m immediately behind the dam. Take at least 3 steps. Use Direct step method.
Solution
Here, discharge Q is given.
2
𝐴
(1) We will have to calculate normal depth (y0) by using the formula, Q = 𝑛 ∗ 𝑅3 ∗ 𝑆01/2
2
8𝑦0 8𝑦0 3 1
∴ 11 = ∗ ∗ 0.00162 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ, 𝑦0 = 1𝑚
0.025 8 + 2𝑦0
𝑄2 𝐴3 112 8𝑦𝑐 3
(2) Next, calculate critical depth (yc) by using the formula, = ∴ 9.81 =
𝑔 𝑇 8
From which, yc = 0.576 m.
(3) Actual depth (y) near the dam is 2m.
Thus y > y0 > yc and hence, there is M1-profile.
For GVF profile, calculations should be from y = 1.01*y0 = 1.01 * 1 = 1.01 m to y = 2m
A=By P=B+2y V=Q/A 𝑽𝟐
y R=A/P 𝑬=𝒚+ ∆𝑬
=8y =8+2y =11/A 𝟐𝒈
(m) (m) (m2) (m) (m/s) (m) (m)
(1) (2)=8*(1) (3)=8+2*(1) (4)=(2)/(3) (5) (6) (7)
1.01 8.08 10.02 0.81 1.36 1.104463416
1.5 12.00 11.00 1.09 0.92 1.542827614 0.438364198
1.8 14.40 11.60 1.24 0.76 1.829741398 0.286913785
2.0 16.00 12.00 1.33 0.69 2.024090533 0.194349134
𝑽𝟐 ∗ 𝒏𝟐 ∆𝑬
𝑺𝒇 = 𝑺𝒇 ∆𝒙 = Absolute (x) Total (x)
𝑹𝟒/𝟑 𝑺𝟎 − 𝑺𝒇
(m) (m) (m)
(8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
0.001543303
0.000467647 0.001005475 737.34 737.34 737.34
0.00027336 0.000370503 233.36 233.36 970.69
0.000201298 0.000237329 142.62 142.62 1113.32
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Example- A rectangular channel has a bottom width of 2m, bed slope 0.0004 and Manning's n = 0.014.
It carries a discharge of 2 m3/s. It ends in a free over fall. At a certain section of the profile, the depth
is 1m. Find the type of the profile and compute its length. Take at least 3 steps. Use Direct step
method.
Solution
Here, discharge Q is given.
2
𝐴
(1) We will have to calculate normal depth (y0) by using the formula, Q = 𝑛 ∗ 𝑅3 ∗ 𝑆01/2
2
2𝑦0 2𝑦0 3 1
∴2= ∗ ∗ 0.00042 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ, 𝑦0 = 1.082𝑚
0.014 2 + 2𝑦0
𝑄2 𝐴3 22 2𝑦𝑐 3
(2) Next, calculate critical depth (yc) by using the formula, = ∴ 9.81 =
𝑔 𝑇 2
From which, yc = 0.476 m.
(3) Actual depth (y) near the dam is 1m.
Thus y0 > y > yc and hence, there is M2-profile.
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For GVF profile, calculations should be from y=0.99*y0 = 0.99 * 1.082 = 1.071 m to y =1.01 yc =
0.49m
A=By P=B+2y V=Q/A 𝑽𝟐
y R=A/P 𝑬=𝒚+ ∆𝑬
=2y =2+2y =2/A 𝟐𝒈
(m) (m) (m2) (m) (m/s) (m) (m)
(1) (2)=8*(1) (3)=8+2*(1) (4)=(2)/(3) (5) (6) (7)
1.071 2.14 4.14 0.52 0.93 1.115435
0.9 1.80 3.80 0.47 1.11 0.962924 -0.15251073
0.6 1.20 3.20 0.38 1.67 0.741579 -0.22134506
0.476 0.95 2.95 0.32 2.10 0.700951 -0.0406283
𝑽𝟐 ∗ 𝒏𝟐 ∆𝑬
𝑺𝒇 = 𝑺𝒇 ∆𝒙 = Absolute (x) Total (x)
𝑹𝟒/𝟑 𝑺𝟎 − 𝑺𝒇
(m) (m) (m)
(8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
0.0004117
0.0006553 0.00053349 1142.52 1142.52 1142.52
0.0020133 0.00133432 236.91 236.91 1379.43
0.003912 0.0029624 15.86 15.86 1395.28
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Example- A weir is installed across a rectangular open channel thereby raising the flow depth from
1.5m in a normal flow to 2.5m at the weir. The width of the channel is 10m and it is laid at a slope
of 1 in 10000. Find an approximate length of back water curve considering average velocity,
average depth and average slope mid-way between the two sections. Take the value of Manning's n
= 0.02. Use Direct step method.
Solution
Given : B = 10m; Normal Depth y0 = 1.5m; Bed slope S0 = 1 in 10000; Manning’s n = 0.02
(1) Discharge Q is to be calculated as shown below:
∴ Area A = (B * y0) = (10*1.5) = 15 m2
P = B +2y0 = 10 + (2*1.5) = 13m
R = A/P = 15/13 = 1.15m
1
1 1 1 2
2 1 2
V= R 3 S0 2 = ∗ 1.15 3 ∗ = 0.55 m/s
n 0.02 10000
Q = AV = 15 * 0.55 = 8.25 m3/s
For GVF profile, calculations should be from y = 1.5 m to 2.5m
A=By P=B+2y V=Q/A 𝑽𝟐
y R=A/P 𝑬=𝒚+ ∆𝑬 = 𝑬𝟐 − 𝑬𝟏
=10y =10+2y =8.25/A 𝟐𝒈
(m) (m2) (m) (m) (m/s) (m) (m)
(3)=10+2*(1 (5)=8.25
(1) (2)=10*(1) (4)=(2)/(3) (6) (7)
) /(2)
1.5 15 13 1.15 0.55 1.515420728
2.5 25 15 1.67 0.33 2.505551462 0.990130734
𝑽𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝟐 ∗ 𝒏𝟐 ∆𝒙
Abs
Total
ymean A Pmean Rmean Vmean 𝑺𝒇 = ∆𝑬 (x)
𝟒 =
mean
𝑹𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 (𝟑) 𝑺𝟎 − 𝑺𝒇
(x)
(m) (m2) (m) (m) (m/s) (m) (m) (m)
(8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16)
2 20 14 1.43 0.41 4.23107E-05 17163 17163 17163
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Example- A trapezoidal channel has a bottom width of 30m, side slope 1H:1V, bed slope 0.0004
and Manning's n = 0.025. It carries a discharge of 176 cumec. Compute the length of back water
curve created by a spillway, which raises the water to a depth of 7m just behind the spillway. The
u/s end of the water surface profile may be taken to the depth equal to 1% greater than the normal
depth. Assume the value of energy correction factor α = 1.1. Use Direct step method.
Solution
Here, discharge Q is given.
2
𝐴
(1) We have to calculate normal depth (y0) by using the formula, Q = 𝑛 ∗ 𝑅 3 ∗ 𝑆01/2
2
30 + 1 ∗ 𝑦0 ∗ 𝑦0 30 + 1 ∗ 𝑦0 ∗ 𝑦0 3 1
∴ 176 = ∗ ∗ 0.00042 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ, 𝑦0 = 3.3𝑚
0.025 30 + 2𝑦0 ∗ 1 + 12
∝𝑄2 𝐴3 1.1∗1762 30𝑦𝑐 3
(2) Next, calculate critical depth (yc) by using the formula, = ∴ =
𝑔 𝑇 9.81 30
We will get critical depth (yc) as 1.5414 m.
(3) Actual depth of flow (y) is 7m.
Thus y > y0 > yc and hence, profile is M1-profile.
For GVF profile, calculations should be from y = 7m to y = 1.01*y0 = 1.01 * 3.3 = 3.34 m
𝑃
V=Q/A 𝑽𝟐
y 𝐴 = 30 + 1 ∗ 𝑦 ∗y = 30 + 2𝑦 R=A/P 𝑬 = 𝒚 +∝ ∆𝑬
=176/A 𝟐𝒈
∗ 1 + 12
(m) (m2) (m) (m) (m/s) (m) (m)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
7 259 49.80 5.2 0.68 7.025889251
6 216 46.97 4.6 0.81 6.037223012 -0.988666239
5 175 44.14 3.96 1.01 5.056707816 -0.980515196
4 136 41.31 3.29 1.29 4.093894726 -0.962813089
3.34 111.36 39.45 2.82 1.58 3.480053799 -0.613840928
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𝑽𝟐 ∗ 𝒏𝟐 ∆𝑬
𝑺𝒇 = 𝑺𝒇 ∆𝒙 = Absolute (x) Total (x)
𝑹𝟒/𝟑 𝑺𝟎 − 𝑺𝒇
(m) (m) (m)
(8) (9) (10) (11) (12)
3.20283E-05
5.4262E-05 4.3145E-05 -2770.50 2770.50 2770.50
10.0751E-05 7.75064E-05 -3040.42 3040.42 5810.92
21.3748E-05 15.7249E-05 -3966.26 3966.26 9777.18
39.1336E-05 30.2542E-05 -6298.50 6298.50 16075.68
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Thank You
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