1. What is Energy Slope for Uniform Flow?

Energy Slope is at a distance equal to the velocity head above the hydraulic gradient. It represents the rate of energy loss per unit length of channel in uniform flow conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Energy Slope formula:

Where:

• \( S_f \) — Energy Slope
• \( Q \) — Discharge (m³/s)
• \( K \) — Conveyance Function

Explanation: The formula calculates the energy slope based on the square of the discharge divided by the square of the conveyance function, which represents the channel's capacity to convey flow.

3. Importance of Energy Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate energy slope calculation is crucial for hydraulic engineering, channel design, flood forecasting, and understanding flow characteristics in open channels and rivers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter discharge in cubic meters per second (m³/s) and conveyance function value. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the conveyance function?
A: The conveyance function represents the channel's capacity to convey flow and may be determined empirically or by a standard friction law based on channel characteristics.

Q2: When is uniform flow assumption valid?
A: Uniform flow assumption is valid when the flow depth, cross-sectional area, and velocity remain constant along the channel length.

Q3: How does energy slope relate to water surface slope?
A: In uniform flow conditions, the energy slope equals the water surface slope and the channel bottom slope.

Q4: What are typical values for energy slope?
A: Energy slope values vary significantly depending on channel characteristics, ranging from very mild slopes (0.0001) to steep slopes (0.1 or more).

Q5: Can this formula be used for non-uniform flow?
A: This specific formula is designed for uniform flow conditions. Different approaches are needed for non-uniform flow calculations.