Gradually-varied Flow

Gradually-varied flow (GVF): A steady non-uniform flow in a prismatic

channel with gradual changes in its water-surface elevation.
Examples of GVF:

(a) Drawdown produced

by sudden drop in the
channel

(b) Backwater produced by

increased in bed elevation
Two basic assumptions are involved in the analysis of GVF:
1. The pressure distribution at any section is hydrostatic.
2. The resistance to flow at any depth can be assumed using uniform-
flow equation, such as the Manning's equation, with the condition that
the slope term to be used in the equation is the energy slope and not
the bed slope. Thus, if in a GVF the depth of flow at any section is y,
the energy slope Sf is:
n 2V 2
Sf  4
R3
where R is the hydraulic radius of the section at depth y.

Differential Equation of GVF

The total energy H of a gradually-varied flow in a channel of small slope is:

V2
H Zy (4.1)
2g

V2
where the specific energy E  y 
2g
 Figure 4.2 Schematic sketch of GVF

Since the water surface varies in the longitudinal x-direction, the depth of the
flow and the total energy are functions of x.

Differentiating Eq. (4.1) with respect to x,

dH dZ dy d  V 2 
    
dx dx dx dx  2g 
(3.20)

dH
Energy slope,  Sf water-surface slope relative to
dx the channel bottom
dZ
Bottom slope,  So
dx
 d  V 2  d  Q 2  dy
   
dx  2g  dx  2gA 2  dx
Q 2 dA dy
 3
gA dy dx

dA
Since T
dy
d  V 2  Q 2T dy
  
dx  2g  gA3 dx

Eq. (4.2) can now be rewritten as

dy  Q 2T  dy
 Sf  So    3 
dx  gA  dx

dy So  Sf
Rearranging,  Dynamic equation of GVF (3.21)
dx Q 2T
1
gA3
Other forms of Eq. (4.3)
(a) If K = conveyance at any depth y and Ko = conveyance corresponding to
the normal depth yo, then
Q
K for GVF
Sf
Q
K for uniform flow
So
Sf K o2
 (3.22)
So K 2

Similarly, if Z = section factor at depth y and Zc = section factor at the critical

depth yc,
A3
Z 
2
T
Ac3 Q 2
and Z 
2
c 
Tc g

Hence Q 2T Zc2
 (3.23)
gA3 Z 2
Using Eqs. (4.4) and (4.5), Eq. (4.3) can be written as
Sf
1
dy So
 So
dx Q 2T
1
gA 3
2
K 
1  o 
dy
 So K  (3.24)
2
dx  Zc 
1  
Z

This equation is useful in developing direct integration techniques.

(b) If Qn represents the normal discharge at a depth y and Qc denotes the

critical discharge at the same depth y,
Qn  K So

Qc  Z g
2
and Q
1   
Using these definitions, Eq. (4.3) can be rewritten as
dy
 So  Qn 
2 (3.25)
dx Q
1   
 Qc 
(c) Another form of Eq. (4.2) is
dE
 So  Sf (3.26)
dx

This equation is called the differential-energy equation of GVF to distinguish

it from the GVF differential equations of Eqns. 4.3, 4.6 and 4.7. This energy
equation is very useful in developing numerical techniques for the GVF
profile computation.

Classification of Flow Profiles

In a given channel, yo and yc are two fixed depths if Q, n and So are fixed.
Also, there are three possible relations between yo and yc as:
(i) yo > yc
(ii) yo < yc
(iii) yo = yc
Further, there are two cases where yo does not exist, i.e. when
(a) the channel bed is horizontal
(b) when the channel has an adverse slope So is -ve.
Based on the above, the channels are classified into five categories as indicated in
Table 4.1

Table 4.1. Types of GVF profiles

All curves in region 1 have positive slopes - backwater curves
All curves in region 2 have negative slopes - drawdown curves

Figure 4.3. Various GVF profiles

Example 4.1
A rectangular channel with a bottom width of 4 m and bottom slope of 0.0008 has a
discharge of 1.5 m3/s. In a gradually-varied flow in this channel, the depth at a certain
location is found to be 0.30 m. Assuming n = 0.016, determine the type of GVF profile.

Solution:
Find the normal depth yo and the critical depth yc

The normal depth yo The critical depth yc

2 1
1
Manning equation Q  AR So2
3
Q 1.5
n q   0.375 m3 s m
2 b 4
1  by o  21 3
Q  by o   So q2 0.3752
n  b  2 y o  yc  3  3  0.243 m
2
g 9.81
1  4y o  3 1
1.5  4y o   0.0008 2
0.016  4  2 y o 
y c  y o  The channel is a mild
2 slope channel
 4y o  3
y o    0.212
 4  2y o  y c  y  y o  The profile is of the M2
y o  0.426 m type
Examples of Occurrence of Type M Flow Profiles

M1 profile is a subcritical-flow condition.

Obstructions to flow such as weirs, dams,
control structures and natural features such as
bends, produce M1 backwater curves. These
extends to several kilometres upstream before
merging with the normal depth.

M2 profiles occur at a sudden drop in the bed

of the channel, at constriction type of
transitions and at the canal outlet of pools.

M3 profiles occur when there is a supercritical

flow enters a mild-slope channel. Examples
are the flow leading from a spillway or a sluice
gate to a mild slope. M3 normally followed by a
small stretch of rapidly-varied flow and the
downstream is generally terminated by a
hydraulic jump. Compared to M1 and M2
profiles, M3 profiles are relatively short length.
Examples of Occurrence of Type S Flow Profiles

S1 profile is produced when the flow from a

steep channel is terminated by a deep pool
created by an obstruction, such as a weir or
dam. At the beginning of the curve, the flow
changes from the normal depth (supercritical
flow) to subcritical flow through a hydraulic
jump. The profiles extend downstream with a
positive water-surface slope to reach a
horizontal asymptote at the pool elevation.

S2 profiles occur at the entrance region of a

steep channel leading from a reservoir and at
a break of grade from mild slope to steep
slope. Generally S2 profile are of short length.
S3 profile is produced when the flow exited
from a sluice gate with a steep slope on its
downstream.

S3 curve is also produced when a flow exists

from a steeper slope to a less steep slope.
Examples of Occurrence of Type C Flow Profiles

C1 and C3 profiles are very rare and are highly unstable.

Examples of Occurrence of Type H Flow Profiles

A horizontal channel can be
considered as the lower limit
reached by a mild slope as its bed
slope becomes flatter. It is obvious
that there is no region 1 for a
horizontal channel as yo = . The
H2 and H3 profiles are similar to M2
and M3 profiles respectively.
However, the H2 curve has a
horizontal asymptote.

Adverse slopes are rather rare and

A2 and A3 curves are similar to H2
and H3 curves respectively. These
profiles are of very short length.
 Example 4.2

A triangular channel has side slope 1 horizontal : 1 vertical and bed slope is 0.001.
Estimate and categorize this channel whether mild, steep or critical when the flow rate is
given as much as 0.2 m3/s through this channel. Assume that Manning’s roughness
coefficient n = 0.015. Give various of depths that categorize the flow profile in type 1, 2
and 3.
Solution:
y2 y
Ay 2
T  2y P  2 2y R 
2 2y 2 2

The normal depth yo The critical depth yc

2 1
1 Q 2 Ac
3
yc
6
y c5
Manning equation Q  AR So2
3
  
n g Tc 2y c 2
2
2  yo  2Q 2 2  0.22
1
1 3
0 .2  yo   0.0012
y 
5
  0.00816
0.015  2 2  c
g 9.81
y o  0.536 m y c  0.382 m

y c  y o  The channel is a mild slope channel

Curve M1 y > 0.536 m

Curve M2 0.536 m > y > 0.382 m
Curve M3 y < 0.382 m
Control section

A control section is defined as a section in which a fixed relationship exists between the
discharge and depth of flow. Weirs, spillways, sluice gates are some typical examples of
structures which give rise to control sections. The critical depth is also a control point. Any
GVF profile will have at least one control section.
 Calculations of Flow Profile

Profile of gradually varied flow can be determined using dynamic equation of

gradually varied flow.
Equations below are differential equations for gradually varied flow and they
represent depth of water y at a certain distance x.
dy S S   K o 2    y 
10 3

 o So 1      1   
o
TQ 2 K     y  
 
dx dy dy
1  So  3 
gA3 dx  yc 
3
dx  y 
1    1    c

y   
  y  
Calculations are carried out to:
i. determine the length L if the depth y1 and y2 known.
ii. determine either one of water depth (y1 or y2), if the length of L and either
one of depth are known.

Methods to determine flow profile: * Methods that will applied for this subject
1. Direct Integration*
2. Numerical Integration*
3. Multiple Intergration
a. Direct Step Method*
b. Standard Step Method
4. Graphical Integration
5. Numerical/computer methods
Direct Integration
  y o N 
 1   
 
 So   M 
dy y
From previous equation
 1   y c  
dx
 
 y  
Replacing u = y/yo
du /dy = 1 / yo
dy = yo du
dy   y N    y  M 
Substituting in the above equation:  So 1   o   x 1   c  
dx   uy o     uy o  

y   1 N    y M  u N M  
dx  o 1        c    
 
  1  u     y o   1  u  
N
So
Intergrate above equation, hence it become :

y   u du   y M  u u N M 
x o u       c   
N 
  const
N 
(3.27)
So   0 1  u   o  0
y 1  u 
u
du
Substituting 0 1  u N = F(u,N)
Replacing v  u N J with J  N
(N  M  1)
  
dv  N  M  1 u N M
du
u N M 1
 1  u N du  v
dv
N  M  1
0
1 v J

u N M
 
 1  u N du  J N F v , J 
Then,
y 
 
x   o  u  F u , N )  y c y o  J N F ( v , J
M

 So 

Applying the above equation between two section (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) in one channel:

yo 
  
M

L  x2  x1  u2  u1   F u2 ,N   F u1,N   
yc  J
F v 2 , J   F v1, J 

So   yo  N 

Values of F(u,N) can be obtained from table provided in appendix I. If (u,N) is replaced with
(v,J), then the table can also be used to find the value of F(v, J).
Example 4.3

A very wide river have depth of 3.0 m and slopes of 0.0005. Estimate length of flow profile
produced by a weir that caused water surface increased as much as 1.50 m at the upstream
of weir (n = 0.035).
Solution:

1. Determine yo and yc.

Given yo = 3.0 m, y = 4.5 m

Q 1
q  ( y o )( y o2 / 3 )So
1/ 2

b n
1
q ( 35 / 3 )( 0.0005 )1 / 2  3.987m3 /s/m
0.035

Critical depth , yc = (q2/g )1/3

= (3.987/ 9.81)1/3
= 1.175 m
2. Determine value of N & M
For a very wide rectangular channel,
N = 10/3 dan M = 3

3. Calculate J,
J = N / (N – M+1) = 10/3 = 2.5
(10/3 – 3 + 1)

4. Calculate u1, u2 and v1, v2

u1 = y1/yo = 4.5 / 3 = 1.5

u2 = y2/yo = 3.03 / 3 = 1.01

v1 = u1N/J = (1.5)3.33/2.5 = 1.72

v2 = u2N/J = (1.01)3.33/2.5 = 1.01

5. Obtain F (u, N) and F ( v, J) from table

F(u1, N) = F (1.5 , 3.33) = 0.189

F(u2, N) = F (1.01 , 3.33) = 1.220
F(v1, J) = F (1.72 , 2.50) = 0.333
F(v2, J) = F (1.01 , 2.50) = 1.867
5. Obtain F (u, N) and F ( v, J) from table

F(u1, N) = F (1.5 , 3.33) = 0.189

F(u2, N) = F (1.01 , 3.33) = 1.220
F(v1, J) = F (1.72 , 2.50) = 0.333
F(v2, J) = F (1.01 , 2.50) = 1.867
5. Obtain F (u, N) and F ( v, J) from table

F(u1, N) = F (1.5 , 3.33) = 0.189

F(u2, N) = F (1.01 , 3.33) = 1.220
F(v1, J) = F (1.72 , 2.50) = 0.333
F(v2, J) = F (1.01 , 2.50) = 1.867
5. Obtain F (u, N) and F ( v, J) from table

F(u1, N) = F (1.5 , 3.33) = 0.189

F(u2, N) = F (1.01 , 3.33) = 1.220
F(v1, J) = F (1.72 , 2.50) = 0.261
F(v2, J) = F (1.01 , 2.50) = 1.867
6. Finding length L, from equation.
yo 
  
M

L  x2  x1  u2  u1   F u2 ,N   F u1,N   
yc  J
F v 2 , J   F v1, J 

So   yo  N 

L  x2  x1 
3
0.0005
   
1.01  1.5  1.22  0.189  1.175 3 2.5  310 1.867  0.333
3

L = - 8711 m ; L = 8711m from back of weir.
Numerical Integration
Equations used are:   K 2 
i) For any shape of channel So 1   o  
dy   K ave  

dx TQ 2
1
gA3
 TQ 2 
 1 
dy  gA3 
dx 
So   K  2 
1   o  
  K ave  

ii) For rectangular channel   K 2 

So 1   o  
dy   K ave  
 3
dx  yc 
1   
 ave 
y

  y 3 
 1   c  
dy   y ave  
dx 
So   K  2 
1   o  
  K ave  
iii) For wide rentangular channel equation (using Chezy, C)
  y 3 
 1  o  
dy   y ave  
 So  3 
dx 
 1  c  
y 
 y  
  ave  

  y 3 
1   c  
dy   y ave  
dx 
So   y 3 
1   o  
  y ave  
(using Manning)
  y 10 3 
 1  o  
dy   y ave  
 So  3 
dx 
 1  c  
y 
 y  
  ave  

  yc  
3

 1    
dy   ave  
y
dx 
So   y 10 3 
1   o  
  y ave  
 
Example 4.4

A very wide channel (rectangular) have depth 3.0 m and slope 0.0005. Determine type of flow
profile and estimate length of gradually-varied flow profile produced by a weir that has elevated
the upstream flow as much as 1.50 m (assumed n = 0.035). Take N = 4 steps/ section.
Solution:
Calculate yo and yc
Given yo = 3.0 m, y = 4.5 m
Q 1
q  ( y o )( y o2 / 3 )So
1/ 2

b n
1
q ( 35 / 3 )( 0.0005 )1 / 2  3.987m3 /s/m
0.035

Critical depth, yc = (q2/g )1/3

= (3.9872/ 9.81)1/3
= 1.175 m

y > yo > yc; GVF profile is M1

Equation used for wide rectangular channel is:

  yc  
3

 1    
dy   y ave   yc = 1.175 m; yo = 3.0 m; So = 0.0005
dx 
So   y 10 3 
1   o  
  y ave  
 
Stop calculation at, y = 3.00 m

Table 1: Calculation for flow profile

y (m) dy (m) ŷ(m) 1 – (yc/yave)3 1– (yo/yave)10/3 dx (m)

4.500 – 4.125 0.375 4.3125 0.9798 0.7017 1047.23

4.125 – 3.750 0.375 3.9375 0.9735 0.5960 1224.90

3.750 – 3.375 0.375 3.5625 0.9642 0.4361 1658.26

3.375 – 3.000 0.375 3.1875 0.9500 0.1830 3893.92

L = ∑∆x = 7824.31
Length of flow profile M1 is 7824.31 m from back of weir.

3893.92 1658.26 1224.90 1047.23

7824.31 m
 5

3
y (m)

0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000
x (m)
Assignment Q1
A river of width 6 m conveys water at normal depth 2.0 m along a slope of 0.0002 and n = 0.035
upstream of a water fall. The water falls to a depth of 1.9 m. Taking N = 3 steps/ section,
Determine

i. type of flow profile,

ii. length of gradually-varied flow profile produced, and
iii.profile sketch.

Solution:
Calculate yo and yc A
Given yo = 2.0 m, y = 1.9 m A  By  12 m2 P  B  2y  10 m R  1 .2 m
P
2 1
1
Q  AR 3 So2
n
2 1
1
Q  12  1.2 3  0.0002 2
0.035

Q  5.4754 m3 /s
 Q 5.4754
q   0.9126 m3 /s/m
B 6

Critical depth, yc = (q2/g )1/3

= (0.91262/ 9.81)1/3

= 0.4395 m

yo = 2 m
y = 1.9 m
yc = 0.4395 m
yo > y > yc  GVF profile is M2
 Equation used for rectangular channel is:
yc = 0.4395 m; yo = 2.0 m; y = 1.9 m, So = 0.0002,
  y   3

 1   c   n = 0.035, N = 3 step/section
dy   y ave  
dx 
So   K  2  Start calculation from y = 1.9 m
1   o  
  K ave   Stop calculation at y = 2.00 m

dy 
y max  y min   2  1.9  0.0333
N 3
2 2
1 1
K o  AR 3   12  1.2 3  387.169
n 0.035

Table 1: Calculation for flow profile

y (m) dy (m) yave (m) Aave (m2) Pave (m) Rave (m) Kave Ko 1– 1– dx (m)
(yc/yave)3 (Ko/Kave)2
.900 – 0.033 1.917 11.5 9.833 1.169 364.721 387.169 0.9879 0.1269 1297.7
1.933 (1284.50)
.933 – 0.033 1.950 11.7 9.900 1.182 373.667 387.169 0.9886 0.0736 2239.39
1.967 (2222.33)
.967 – 0.033 1.983 11.9 9.967 1.194 382.658 387.169 0.9891 0.0237 6950.19
2.000 (6886.14)
10487.3
L = ∑∆x = (10392.97
 2 M2
1.8

1.6

1.4

y (m) 1.2

2.0 m1 1.967 m 1.933 m 1.9 m

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
519 m 896 m x (m)
2780 m
 Direct Step Method
Using concept of energy continuity

horizontal B
A
hL
v1² S
Slope of
2g
energy line, v2²
i 2g

y1
y2

Length AC = BD,
So
z1
Energy equation ,
z2
E 1 + z 1 = E 2 + z 2 + hL
C Datum
D
dx v12  v 2 2 
  y 1  z1    y 2   z2  hL
Gradually varied flow with respect to  2g   2g 
length of dx
 If
z 2  0, z1  S o dx
S o dx  E2  E1  idx  v1 2   v2 2 
S o dx    y1     y 2   Sdx
dxS o  i   E2  E1  2g   2g 
E2  E1
dx 
So  i

Hence, equation used for calculating gradually varied flow

is:
Remember!
  v2 2     v1 2   1. End calculation at y = ( 1 ± 0.01 ) yo
 y2       y1    2. Accuraccy of calculation, depending
  2g     2g  
      on the number of numerical, N choosen.
dx 
S o  S ave
Example 4.5
A 100 m wide and 3.0 m deep channel has 0.0005 slope. Determine type of flow profile and
estimate length of gradually varied low profile produced by a weir that elevated the upstream
flow as much as 1.50 m.
(assumed n = 0.035).

Solution

Assumed the river as a very wide channel, flow/ width are:

1
y o  3 So  2
5 1
q
n
1
3.0 3 0.0005 2
5 1
q
0.035
q = 3.987 m3/s/m

Critical depth,
1
 q2  3
y c   
g 
1
 3.9872  3
y c    = 1.175 m
 9.82 
y > yo > yc ; GVF profile is M1
Take N = 4 steps / section
Stop calculation at y = 3.01 m

R = y, q = 3.987 m3/s/m , n = 0.035 , So = 0.0005

  v 22     v12  
 y2      
  2g     y1   2g  
    
dx  
So  Save

Table 2:Calculation of flow profile by using direct step method

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
y R v (m/s) v2/2g E (m) ∆E S x 10-4 Savg x (So - Savg) ∆x(m) L (m)
(m) (m) (m) (m) 10-4 x10-4

4.5 4.5 0.886 0.0400 4.540 _ 1.294 _ _ _ 0

4.13 4.13 0.965 0.0475 4.178 0.362 1.722 1.508 3.492 1036.7 1036

3.76 3.76 1.060 0.0573 3.817 0.361 2.354 2.038 2.962 1218.8 2255

3.39 3.39 1.176 0.0704 3.460 0.357 3.327 2.841 2.159 1653.5 3908

3.03 3.03 1.316 0.0883 3.118 0.342 4.839 4.083 0.917 3729.6 7638

q n 2v 2
V S  4/3
y R
Hence the length of flow profile is 7525 m from weir.

M1

3.03m 3.39m 3.76m 4.13m 4.5m

y2 y1

∆x4 ∆x3 ∆x2 ∆x1

L = ∑dx = 7525 m
Assignment Q2
A river of width 6 m conveys water at normal depth 2.0 m along a slope of 0.0002 and n = 0.035
upstream of a water fall. The water falls to a depth of 1.9 m. Taking N = 5 steps/ section, Using
direct step method, determine

i. type of flow profile,

ii. length of gradually-varied flow profile produced, and
iii.profile sketch.