Topic outline

  • Open Channel Flow: the Manning Equation and Uniform Flow

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    For any open channel flow, the flowing liquid has a free surface at atmospheric pressure and the driving force is gravity. Open channel flow takes place in natural channels like rivers and streams. It also occurs in manmade channels such as those used to transport wastewater and in circular sewers flowing partially full. In this course several aspects of open channel flow are presented, discussed and illustrated with examples.

    The main topic of the course is uniform open channel flow, in which the channel slope, liquid velocity and liquid depth remain constant.

    Topics:

    • Methods of Classifying Open Channel Flow
    • Steady State of Unsteady State Flow
    • Laminar or Turbulent Flow
    • Uniform or Non-uniform Flow
    • Supercritical, Subcritical or Critical Flow
    • Calculations for Uniform Open Channel Flow
    • The Manning Equation
    • The Manning Roughness Coefficient
    • The Reynold's Number
    • The Hydraulic Radius
    • The Manning Equation in S.I. Units
    • The Manning Equation in Terms of V Instead of Q
    • The Easy Parameters to Calculate with the Manning Equation
    • The Hard Parameter to Calculate - Determination of Normal Depth
    • Circular Pipes Flowing Full or Partially Full
    • Uniform Flow in Natural Channels

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Publication Source: Harlan H. Bengtson, PhD, PE

    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE
    • Topic 1