Chezy Formula:
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The Chezy Formula for Critical Depth of Channel given Slope of Dynamic Equation of GVF calculates the critical depth in gradually varied flow conditions. Critical depth occurs when the flow in a channel has minimum specific energy, representing the transition between subcritical and supercritical flow.
The calculator uses the Chezy formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the critical depth by considering the relationship between normal depth, flow depth, slope of the dynamic equation, and bed slope of the channel.
Details: Calculating critical depth is essential for hydraulic engineering design, flood control, and understanding flow behavior in open channels. It helps determine when flow transitions between subcritical and supercritical states.
Tips: Enter normal depth and depth of flow in meters, slope of line and bed slope as dimensionless values. All values must be positive and valid for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is critical depth in open channel flow?
A: Critical depth is the depth at which the specific energy of flow is minimum for a given discharge in an open channel.
Q2: How does critical depth affect flow behavior?
A: Flow depths greater than critical are subcritical (tranquil flow), while depths less than critical are supercritical (rapid flow).
Q3: What are practical applications of critical depth calculation?
A: Used in designing hydraulic structures like weirs, spillways, and culverts, and in analyzing flood routing and water surface profiles.
Q4: What factors influence critical depth?
A: Channel geometry, discharge rate, and channel slope are the main factors that influence critical depth.
Q5: How accurate is the Chezy formula for critical depth calculation?
A: The Chezy formula provides good accuracy for gradually varied flow conditions in prismatic channels with uniform flow characteristics.