A note on critical flow section in collector channels

Abstract

Generalized solution for the location of critical flow section in collector channels is presented. Based on the concept of the singularity, the dynamic equation of spatially varied flow (SVF) is solved using the flow resistance equations of von Karman (for rough regime) and Jain (for transitional and smooth regimes). The advantage of using Jain’s equations is that they provide the explicit forms of the Colebrook-White and Nikuradse equations. Computational steps for the determination of critical flow section in a collector channel, being dependent on channel geometry, roughness, longitudinal bed slope and inflow discharge, are given for different channel shapes.