CHAPTER TWO

SPECIFIC ENERGY
PART-2
CHANNEL TRANSITION
2.5 Channel Transition

The change in cross sectional configuration of a

channel along its length is termed a transition. A
channel transition is usually designed to
decrease the energy losses at the transition and
consequently the energy equation can be used
appropriately for its analysis.
2.5.1 Vertical Transition
A constant width rectangular channel will be
considered for illustration purposes. The aim is to
determine whether the water surface rises or drops
downstream of the transition for a specified flow
depth and velocity upstream of the transition.
Considering frictionless flow, so the total energy at
any cross section can be written as:
H = E + z = constant (2.35)
Differentiate the above equation with respect to the
longitudinal distance x yields:
dE d z
 0 (2.36)
d x d x

dE d y dz
  0 (2.37)
dx dx dx

dE q2
But 1 3
 1  Fr
2
, substituting this value in
d y g yc
equation (2.38) leads to:

d y dz
(1  Fr2 )  0 (2.38)
dx dx

This equation describes the variation of the flow depth y

associated with any variation in the bottom elevation as
follows:
1. If d z / d x > 0 ( hump ) and Fr < 1 sub-critical flow,
then ( 1- Fr2 ) > 0 and d y / d x must be negative.
Thus, the depth of flow y decreases as x increases.

2. If d z / d x > 0 (hump) and Fr > 1 (supercritical

flow), then ( 1- Fr2 ) < 0 and d y / d x must be
positive. Thus, the depth of flow y increases as x
increases.

3. If d z / d x < 0 ( depression ) and Fr < 1 ( sub-critical

flow), then ( 1- Fr2 ) > 0 and d y / d x must be
positive. Thus, the depth of flow y increases as x
increases.

4. If d z / d x < 0 (depression) and Fr > 1 ( supercritical

flow ), then ( 1- Fr2 ) < 0 and d y / d x must be
negative. Thus, the depth of flow y decreases as x
increases.
Effect of Raising the Channel Bottom on Water Surface Profile
Consider the channel shown in fig. 2.7, where the floor rises by an
amount  z. The channel width is constant, so the unit discharge, q,
is the same on both sides of the transition and consequently the
same specific energy curve is applicable to both the upstream and
the downstream sides. As shown in fig. 2.7, the depth of flow at
section 1 can be either large (sub-critical) or small (supercritical) for
a specific energy E1 greater than that required for critical flow
(Emin). If the flow is sub-critical, a decrease in depth will occur in the
region of the elevated channel bottom.
This occurs because the specific energy at this section, E2, is less
than the specific energy at section 1 by the amount  z, where
E1 = E2 +  z. Therefore, the specific energy diagram indicates
that y2 for sub-critical flow will be less than y1. In a similar
manner it can be noticed that if the flow is supercritical, an
increase in the depth as well as the actual water surface
elevation will occur in the region of the elevated channel
bottom. This occurs because the specific energy at this section,
E2, is less than the specific energy at section 1 by the amount 
z. Therefore, the specific energy diagram indicates that y2 for
supercritical flow will be greater than y1.
Fig. 2.7 Change in depth with change in bottom elevation.
CHOKE
CONSIDERING THE CASE OF SUB-CRITICAL FLOW, IF THE CHANNEL
BOTTOM AT SECTION 2 IS AT ELEVATION GREATER THAN THAT PRODUCES
CRITICAL DEPTH AT SECTION 2, I.E.  Z >  ZMAX , WHERE  ZMAX = E1 –
EMIN , THEN THERE IS NOT ENOUGH HEAD AT SECTION 1 TO CAUSE THE
FLOW TO OCCUR OVER THE HUMP UNDER STEADY FLOW CONDITIONS.
SO, THE WATER LEVEL AND THE AVAILABLE SPECIFIC ENERGY UPSTREAM OF
THE TRANSITION (HUMP) WILL RISE UNTIL IT IS JUST ENOUGH TO
REESTABLISH STEADY FLOW, AS SHOWN IN FIG. 2.8. THE INCREASE OF  Z
MORE THAN  ZMAX WILL CAUSE A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN THE
UPSTREAM WATER DEPTH, WHILE THE DEPTH IN THE TRANSITION WILL
REMAIN CRITICAL. THIS CONDITION IS REFERRED TO AS A CHOKE.
 In the case of supercritical flow, The increase of  z
more than  zmax will cause a corresponding decrease in the
upstream water depth, while the depth in the transition will
remain critical.

Fig. 2.8 Choking in transition with a smooth upward

bottom step.
Effect of Lowering the Channel Bed on Water Surface
Profile
Consider the channel shown in fig. 2.9, where the floor is
lowered by an amount  z. The channel width is constant, so
the unit discharge, q, is the same on both sides of the
transition and consequently the same specific energy curve is
applicable to both the upstream and the downstream sides. As
shown in fig. 2.9, the depth of flow at section 1 can be either
large (sub-critical) or small (supercritical) for a specific energy
E1 greater than that required for critical flow (Emin). If the flow
is sub-critical, an increase in depth will occur in the region of
the lowered channel bottom. This occurs because the specific
energy at this section, E2, is greater than the specific energy at
section 1 by the amount  z, where E1 = E2 -  z
Therefore, the specific energy diagram indicates that y2 for sub-critical
flow will be greater than y1. In a similar manner it can be noticed that if
the flow is supercritical, a decrease in the depth as well as the actual
water surface elevation will occur in the region of the lowered channel
bottom. This occurs because the specific energy at this section, E2, is
greater than the specific energy at section 1 by the amount  z. Therefore,
the specific energy diagram indicates that y2 for supercritical flow will be
less than y1.
Example 2.4
Water is flowing in a rectangular channel with depth of
2.0 m and a velocity of 2.2 m/sec. Determine the depth of
flow over a gradual rise in the channel bottom of
 z = 0.25 m. Repeat the solution for  z = 0.5 m.

Given:
y1 = 2.0 m y
V1 = 2.2 m/sec
Two cases
i)  z = 0.25 m
ii)  z = 0.5 m yc
y1
Emin E1 E
Determine:  zmax
y2 or/and y1'
Solution:
First, it is necessary to determine whether the approach flow
is supercritical or sub-critical,
q = V1 x y1 = 2 x 2.2 = 4.4 m 2/sec

q2 4.4 2
yc = y c  3 3  1.25 m
g 9.81
y1 > yc , so the flow is sub-critical flow.
The approach flow Froude number also could be calculated
as:
V1 2.2
Fr1    0.5 < 1 sub-critical flow
g y1 9.81  2

We must determine the maximum height of hump after which

the choke will occur.
E1 = Emin +  zmax
2
E1 = y1 + V / 2 g = 2 + 2.22 / (2 x 9.81) = 2.25 m
 Emin = 1.5 yc =1.5 x 1.25 = 1.88 m
 zmax = 2.25 – 1.88 = 0.37 m
 z = 0.25 m <  zmax , so choke will not occur.
E1 = E2 +  z = y2 + q2 / (2 g y 22 )

2.25 = y2 + 4.42 / ( 2 x 9.81 x y 22 )

The last equation can be solved by trial. Only root larger than
the critical depth of 1.25 m will be considered. The result is
y2 = 1.62 m. Note that the absolute elevation of the water
surface drops by the amount (2-0.25-1.62) = 0.13 m.
 z = 0.5 m >  zmax , so a choke occurs in which the depth
over the hump becomes critical (1.25 m) and the upstream
depth increases as and can be computed as follows:
E1' = Emin +  z

4 .4 2
y1'   1.88  0.5  2.38
2  9.81  y12
The result is y1'  2.17 m
This means that the depth at the upstream section will
increase by 0.17m.
Example 2.5
A rectangular channel 2.5 m wide carries 6.0 m3/sec of
flow at a depth of 0.5 m. Calculate the height of the hump
required to be placed at a specific section to produce critical
flow. The energy loss due to the obstruction by the hump can
be taken as 0.1 times the upstream velocity head.

Given:
Rectangular section
b = 2.5 m
y
y1 = 0.5 m
Q = 6 m 3/sec

Determine:
yc
 zmax y1
Emin E1 E
Solution:

First, it is necessary to determine whether the approach flow

is supercritical or sub-critical,
q = Q / b = 6 / 2.5 = 2.4 m 3/sec/m’
2 2
q 2.4
yc = y c  3 3  0.837 m
g 9.81
y1 < yc , so the flow is supercritical flow.
The approach flow Froude number also could be
calculated as:
q 2.4
Fr1    2.167  1
g y13 9.81  0.53
Supercritical flow
The maximum height of hump after which the choke
will occur can be calculated as follows
E1 = Emin +  zmax +  E
q2 q2
y1 + = 1.5 yc +  zmax + 0.1
2g y12 2 g y12
q2
y1 + 0.9 = 1.5 yc +  zmax
2g y12
2.4 2
0.5 + 0.9 ( ) =1.5 x 0.837 +  zmax
2  9.81  0.5 2

 zmax = 0.301 m
2.5.2 Horizontal Transition
A rectangular horizontal channel will be considered for
illustration purposes. The discharge per unit width in this case
is not constant. The aim is to determine whether the water
surface rises or drops downstream of the transition for a
specified flow depth and velocity upstream of the transition.
Considering frictionless flow, so the total energy at any cross
section can be written as:

H Ezy
q ( x)2
 z = constant (2.40)
2
2g y
Differentiate the above equation with respect to the
longitudinal distance x yields:

d H d y d z q ( x) 2 d y q ( x) d q ( x)
   3
  2
 0
dx dx dx gy dx gy dx

but, d z / d x = 0 ,and [q(x)] 2 / g y 3 = Fr2 , so the previous

equation can be written as:

q ( x) d q ( x)
d y
dx

1  Fr2   2

dx
0 (2.41)
g y

Since Q = q b = constant

dQ db d q ( x)
 q ( x)  b 0
dx dx dx

d q ( x) db
or b   q ( x)  (2.42)
dx dx
Substituting of equation (2.42) into equation (2.41) yields:

1  F 
r
2 d y [q ( x)] 2 d b

d x bg y 2

dx
0

or 1  
Fr2
dy y
dx b
2 db
  Fr 
dx
0 (2.43)

This equation describes the variation of the flow depth y

associated with any variation in the channel width as follows:

1. If d b / d x > 0 (expansion) and Fr < 1 (subcritical flow),

then ( 1- Fr2 ) > 0 and d y / d x must be positive. Thus,
the depth of flow y increases as x increases.
1.

2. If d b / d x > 0 (expansion) and Fr > 1 (supercritical flow),

then ( 1- Fr2 ) < 0 and d y / d x must be negative. Thus,
the depth of flow y decreases as x increases.

3. If d z / d x < 0 (contraction) and Fr < 1 (subcritical flow),

then ( 1- Fr2 ) > 0 and d y / d x must be negative. Thus,
the depth of flow y decreases as x increases.

4. If d z / d x < 0 (contraction) and Fr > 1 (supercritical

flow), then ( 1- Fr2 ) < 0 and d y / d x must be positive.
Thus, the depth of flow y increases as x increases.
Effect of Decreasing the Channel width on Water Surface
Profile. (Contraction)
When the channel bottom is kept at the same elevation
but the channel is decreased in width, then the discharge
per unit width between section 1 and 2 will increase, while
the specific energy, E, will remain constant. Therefore,
when the specific discharge diagram is used, changes in
depth similar to that for a rise in the channel bottom will be
noted, as shown in fig. 2.10.
 As shown in fig.2.10, the level of channel bottom is constant, so the specific
energy, E, is the same on both sides of the transition and consequently the same
specific discharge curve is applicable to both the upstream and the downstream
sides. The depth of flow at section 1 can be either large (sub-critical) or small
(supercritical) for a discharge q1 greater than that required for critical flow (qmax).

Fig.2.10 Change in water depth associated with reduction in channel width.

 If the flow is sub-critical, a decrease in depth will occur in the
region of the contracted channel bottom. This occurs because the
discharge at this section, q2, is greater than the discharge at section 1.
Therefore, the specific discharge diagram indicates that y2 for sub-
critical flow will be less than y1. In a similar manner it can be noticed
that if the flow is supercritical, an increase in the depth as well as the
actual water surface elevation will occur in the region of the
contracted channel bottom. This occurs because discharge at this
section, q2, is greater than the discharge at section 1. Therefore, the
specific discharge diagram indicates that y2 for supercritical flow will
be greater than y1.
Choke
Considering the case of sub-critical flow, If the channel bottom at
section 2 is contracted to a width less than that produces critical depth at
section 2, i.e. b2 < b2min., then the available specific energy is no longer
sufficient at section 1 to pass the flow through the contraction without an
increase in the upstream depth. So, the points 1 in fig. 2.11 must move up
the specific energy curve to the point 1’ upstream of the contraction with an
increase in specific energy. This increase in specific energy leads to
construction of a new discharge curve as shown in figure 2.11 with a new
value of maximum discharge and a new critical depth, indicated by point 2.
So, the decrease of b2 less than b2min., will cause a corresponding increase in
the upstream water depth, while the depth in the transition will remain
critical.
 In the case of supercritical flow, the decrease of b2 less
than b2min., will cause a corresponding decrease in the
upstream water depth, while the depth in the transition will
remain critical.

Fig. 2.11 Choking modes for contraction with sub-critical approach

flow
Effect of Increasing the Channel width on Water Surface
Profile. (Expansion)
When the channel bottom is kept at the same elevation
but the channel width is increased, then the discharge per
unit width between section 1 and 2 will decrease, while the
specific energy, E, will remain constant. Therefore, when
the specific discharge diagram is used, changes in depth
similar to that for a drop in the channel bottom will be
noted, as shown in fig. 2.12.
 As shown in fig.2.12, the level of channel bottom is
constant, so the specific energy, E, is the same on both sides of
the transition and consequently the same specific discharge
curve is applicable to both the upstream and the downstream
sides. The depth of flow at section 1 can be either large (sub-
critical) or small (supercritical). If the flow is sub-critical, an
increase in depth will occur in the region of the expanded
channel bottom. This occurs because the discharge at this
section, q2, is less than the discharge at section 1.
Therefore, the specific discharge diagram indicates that y2 for sub-critical flow
will be greater than y1. In a similar manner it can be noticed that if the flow is
supercritical, a decrease in the depth as well as the actual water surface elevation
will occur in the region of the expanded channel bottom. This occurs because
discharge at this section, q2, is less than the discharge at section 1. Therefore, the
specific discharge diagram indicates that y2 for supercritical flow will be less than
y1.

Fig. 2.12 Change in water depth associated with expansion in channel width.
Example 2.6
Water flows with a velocity of 3.0 m/sec in a rectangular
channel 3.0 m wide at a depth of 3.0 m. What is the change in
depth and in water surface elevation produced when a gradual
contraction in the channel to a width of 2.6 m take place?
Determine the greatest contraction allowable without altering
the specified upstream conditions.

y
E.L.

yc qmax
E = CONST.
y1
y2
q
q1 q2

b1 b2
Given:
Rectangular section b1 = 3.0 m y1 = 3.0 m
V1 = 3 m / sec b2 = 2.6 m
Determine:
1) y2 and change in water level 2) bmin

Solution
First, it is necessary to determine whether the approach flow is
supercritical or sub-critical,
Q = V1 x b1 x y1 = 3 x 3 x 3 = 27 m3 / sec
q1 = V1 y1 = 3 x 3 = 9.0 m3/sec/m’

q12 3 9 2
y c1  3   2.0212 m
g 9.81
y1 > yc , so the flow is sub-critical flow.
The approach flow Froude number also could be
calculated as:
q 9
Fr1    0.553  1
g y13 9.81  3 3

Sub-critical flow
 V12 32
E1  y1   3.0   3.4587m
2g 2  9.81
q2 = Q / b2 = 27 /2.6 = 10.385 m

q 22
E2 = E1 = y2 +
2 g y 22

10.385 2
3.4587 = y2 +
2  9.81  y 22
By trial, y2 = 2.712 m
Change in water surface level = y1 – y2 = 3 – 2.712
= 0.288 m
The greatest contraction allowable without altering the
specified upstream conditions can be obtained as follows:
E1 = Emin = 1.5 yc2 3.4587=1.5 yc2 yc2 = 2.3058 m
2
q max
yc2 3
g

qmax = g y c32  9.81  2.30583  10.966 m 2 / sec

bmin = Q / qmax =27 / 10.96655 = 2.462 m

The greatest contraction = b1 - bmin = 3 – 2.462 = 0.538 m
Example 2.7
A rectangular channel expands smoothly from a width
of 1.5m to 3.0 m. Upstream of the expansion, the depth of flow
is 1.5 m and the velocity of flow is 2.0 m/sec. Estimate the
depth of flow after the expansion. y
E.L.

yc qmax
E = CONST.
y1
y2
q
q2 q 1

b1 b2

Given: Rectangular section

b1 = 1.5 m y1 = 1.5 m V1 = 2 m / sec b2 = 3 m

Determine: y2
Solution:
First, it is necessary to determine whether the approach flow is
supercritical or sub-critical,
Q = V1 x b1 x y1 = 2 x 1.5 x 1.5 = 4.5 m 3 / sec
q1 = V1 y1 = 2 x 1.5 = 3.0 m3/sec/m’

q12 3 3 2
y c1  3   0.972 m
g 9.81
y1 > yc , so the flow is sub-critical flow.
The approach flow Froude number also could be
calculated as:
q 3
Fr1    0.5214  1
g y13 9.81  1.5 3
The flow is sub-critical.
 V12 22
E1  y1   1.5   1.704 m
2g 2  9.81
q2 = Q / b2 = 4.5 / 3 = 1.5 m2 / sec

q 22
E2 = E1 = y2 +
2 g y 22

1.5 2
1.704 = y2 +
2  9.81  y 22
By trial, y2 = 1.663 m
Example 2.8
Water flows in a rectangular channel 3.0 m wide at a
velocity of 3.0 m/sec and at a depth of 3.0 m. There is an
upward step of 0.61 m. What expansion in width must take
place simultaneously for this flow to be possible as specified?

E.L.
Given:
Rectangular section
E1 E2
b1 = 3 m yc2
y1
y1 = 3m
z
V1 = 3 m / sec
b2 = 3 m
b1 b2
 z =0.61
the depth at the downstream section is critical

Determine: b2
Solution:
First, it is necessary to determine whether the approach flow is
supercritical or sub-critical,
Q = V1 x b1 x y1 = 3 x 3 x 3 = 27 m 3 / sec
q1 = V1 y1 = 3 x 3 = 9.0 m3/sec/m’

q12 3 9 2
y c1 3   2.0212 m
g 9.81
y1 > yc , so the flow is sub-critical flow.
The approach flow Froude number also could be
calculated as:
q 9
Fr1    0.553  1
g y13 9.81  33
The flow is Sub-critical flow
 V12 32
E1  y1   3.0   3.4587m
2g 2  9.81

E1 = Emin +  z = 1.5 yc2 +  z

3.4587 = 1.5 yc2 + 0.61
yc2 = 1.9 m
2
q max
yc2 3
g

qmax = g y c32  9.81  1.9 3  8.1973 m 2 / sec

b2 = Q / qmax =27 / 8.1973 = 3.294 m

The expansion = b2 – b1 = 3.294 – 3.0 = 0.294 m
Example 2.9
The width of a rectangular channel is reduced from 5.0
ft to 4.0 ft along with a smooth raising of the channel bottom.
If the flow depths upstream and downstream of the contraction
are 3.0 ft and 2.5 ft, respectively, for a flow of 50 ft3/sec,
determine the height of the step. Assume the losses at the
transition are negligible.

Given:
Rectangular section E.L.

b1 = 5 ft
y1 = 3 ft
E1 y2 E2
Q = 50 ft3 / sec y1

b2 = 4 ft z
y2 = 2.5 ft

b1 b2
Determine: z
Solution:
First, it is necessary to determine whether the approach flow is
supercritical or sub-critical,
q1 = Q / b1 = 50 / 5 = 10 ft3/sec/ft’

q12 3 10 2
y c1  3   1.459 ft
g 32.2
y1 > yc , so the flow is sub-critical flow.
The approach flow Froude number also could be
calculated as:
q 10
Fr1    0.34  1
g y13 32.2  33
Sub-critical flow
 q12 10 2
E1  y1   3.0   3.172 ft
2 g y12
2  32.2  3 2

q2 = Q / b2 = 50 / 4 = 12.5 ft3/sec/ft’

q 22 12.5 2
E2  y2   2.5   2.888 ft
2g y 22 2  32.2  2.5 2

E1 = E 2 +  z
 z = 3.172 – 2.888 = 0.284 ft
Example 2.10
A 5-ft-wide rectangular channel carries a flow of 80
ft3/sec at a depth of 4.0 ft. If the channel width is reduced to
4.0 ft. Compute
a) the water surface profile in the contraction for
horizontal channel bottom; and
b) the variation of bottom elevation so that the water
level remains constant.
Given: Rectangular section
b1 = 5 ft y1 = 4 ft Q = 80 ft3 / sec b2 = 4 ft
y
E.L.

yc qmax
E = CONST.
y1
y2
q
q1 q2

b1 b2

Determine: y2  z to get constant water level.

Solution:
First, it is necessary to determine whether the approach flow
is supercritical or sub-critical,
q1 = Q / b1 = 80 / 5 = 16 ft3/sec/ft’

q12 3 16 2
y c1 3   2 ft
g 32.2
y1 > yc , so the flow is sub-critical flow.
The approach flow Froude number also could be
calculated as:
q 16
Fr1    0.407  1
g y13 32.2  4 3

The flow is sub-critical flow

 q12 16 2
E1  y1   4.0   4.248 ft
2g y12 2  32.2  4 2

q2 = Q / b2 = 80 /4 = 20 ft

q 22
E2 = E1 = y2 +
2 g y 22

20 2
4.248 = y2 +
2  32.2  y 22
By trial, y2 = 3.825 ft
Change in water surface level = y1 – y2 = 4 – 3.825
= 0.175 ft
To keep the water level unchanged, a depression in the bed
must be assumed to remove the effect of contraction
y2 = y1 +  z
 E.L.

y1 E1. E2.
y2
z

b1 b2

q 22 q 22
E2  y2   ( y1  z ) 
2g y 22 2 g ( y1  z ) 2

E1 = E 2 -  z
20 2
4.248 = (4   z )  z
2  32.2  (4   z ) 2

 z = 1.0136 ft
Example 2.11
A trapezoidal canal 6.0 m bed width, 3:2 side slopes, 3.0 m
water depth and carries a discharge of 30 m3/s. The canal is
constricted by raising the sides to vertical positions. Calculate:
a) The depth of water in the constriction;
b) The height of hump that may be installed in the
constriction to produce critical depth.
Given: E.L.

Upstream section is
E1. y2 E2.
trapezoidal y1

b = 6.0 m z = 1.5
y1 = 3.0 Q = 30 m3 / sec
Downstream section is b2
Rectangular., b2 = 6 m

Determine:
1.y2
2.hiegh of hump  z to produce critical depth in
the constriction.
Solution:
First, it is necessary to determine whether the approach flow
is supercritical or sub-critical,
1) A1 = b y + z y2 = 6 x 3 +1.5 x 32 = 31.5 m2
V1 = Q / A = 30 / 31.5 =0.9524 m / sec
T = b + 2 z y = 6 + 2 x 1.5 x 3 = 15 m
yh = A / T = 31.5 / 15 = 2.1 m
The approach flow Froude number can be calculated as:
V1 0.9524
Fr1    0.21  1
g yh 9.81  2.1

The flow is sub-critical flow

 V12 0.9524 2
E1  y1   3.0   3.047 m
2g 2  9.81

q 22
E1 = E2 = y2 +
2 g y 22
q2 = Q / b2 = 30 / 6 = 5 m2 / sec
52
. 3.047 = y2 +
2  9.81  y 22
By trial, y2 = 2.895 m
2) E1 = Emin +  z = 1.5 yc2 +  z
E.L.
q 22 3 5 2
yc2  3   1.366 m
g 9.81

3.047 = 1.5 x 1.366 +  z Emin.

E1. yc
y1
 z = 0.988 m
z

b2
Example 2.12

Determine the upstream depth of flow in a sub-critical

transition from an upstream rectangular flume that is 49 ft
wide to a downstream trapezoidal channel with a width of 75ft
and side slope of 2:1. The transition bottom drops 1.0 ft from
the upstream flume to the downstream trapezoidal channel.
The flow rate is 12600 cfs, and the depth in the downstream
trapezoidal channel is 22 ft.

Given:
Upstream section is rectangular b1 = 49 ft
Downstream section is trapezoidal b2 = 75 ft
z=2 y2 = 22 ft Q = 12600 ft3 / sec  z = 1 ft
 E.L.

y1 y2
E1. E2 .

 z = 1 ft

b1 = 49 ft b2 = 75 ft
Determine:
y1

Solution:

First, it is necessary to determine whether the flow is

supercritical or sub-critical,
A2 = b y + z y2 = 75 x 22 + 2 x 222 = 2618 ft2
V2 = Q / A = 12600 / 2618 = 4.813 ft / sec
T2 = b + 2 z y = 75 + 2 x 2 x 22 = 163 ft
yh = A2 / T2 = 2618 / 163 = 16.061 ft
The Froude number of the downstream flow can be calculated as:
 V2 4.813
Fr 2    0.2116  1 The
g yh 32.2  16.061
flow is sub-critical flow

V22 4.813 2
E2  y2   22   22.36 ft
2g 2  32.2
q1 = Q / b1 = 12600 / 49 = 257.143 ft2 / sec
E1 = E 2 -  z

257.143 2
y1 + = 22.36 – 1.0 = 21.36
2  32.2  y12
By trial, y1 = 18.292 ft
2.6 Dimensionless Specific Energy Diagram

For rectangular channel, the computational difficulties

in the solution of channel transition problems can be overcome
by constructing a dimensionless specific energy diagram (E-y
curve). This diagram can be constructed by dividing the
specific energy equation E = y + q2/(2 g y2) by the critical
depth yc ,

E y q2
  (2.44)
yc yc 2 g y 2 yc
q2
Defining E’ = E / yc and y’ = y / yc and substituting y c  3
g
in the previous equation yields:
1
E y 
' '
(2.45)
2 ( y' )2
which is the equation of a dimensionless specific energy
diagram. A graph of this equation is illustrated in fig. 2.13.
The critical point in this graph locates at the coordinate (1.5,
1.0). The dimensionless specific energy diagram can be used
efficiently to solve the transition problems in rectangular
channels.

Fig. 2.13 Dimensionless specific energy diagram.