What Is the Open Channel Hydraulic Jump & Energy Dissipation Calculator?
A hydraulic jump is an open channel phenomenon occurring when high-speed supercritical flow decelerates violently into subcritical flow.
How Does the Open Channel Hydraulic Jump & Energy Dissipation Calculator Work?
Using the Bélanger momentum conservation equation, sequent depth is y2 = 0.5·y1·(√(1 + 8·Fr1²) - 1). Energy head loss is ΔE = (y2 - y1)³ / (4·y1·y2).
Open Channel Hydraulic Jump & Energy Dissipation Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
Belanger conjugate depth equation derives sequent subcritical depth from initial supercritical Froude number Fr1. Energy loss represents turbulent jump dissipation.
How to Use the Open Channel Hydraulic Jump & Energy Dissipation Calculator
- Enter rectangular channel bottom width.
- Enter upstream flow depth y1 and volumetric discharge rate Q.
- Read conjugate depth y2, energy loss, and jump type.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
3m Wide Spillway Chute Discharging 5 m³/s at 0.4m Initial Depth
Input Values:
Understanding Your Result
Conjugate Depth (y₂): Deep water level downstream of the jump.
Head Loss (ΔE): Lost mechanical energy in meters of water.
Dissipated Power: Turbulent heat and mixing power in kilowatts.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Initial Froude number determines jump stability: Fr = 4.5 to 9.0 creates the most stable, efficient stilling basin jumps.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Sizing dam stilling basins, drop structures, wastewater flumes, and stormwater outfalls.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Applies to horizontal rectangular prismatic channels with uniform velocity distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Classical open channel hydraulic momentum equation.