Analytic Stage-Discharge Formulas for Flow in Straight Prismatic Channels

Abstract

Three analytic stage-discharge formulas, suitable for hand calculation, have been derived for prismatic open channels. The three types of prismatic geometry investigated are: simple rectangular, symmetric, and asymmetric rectangular compound channels. The formulas include three key parameters that govern the local friction factor, eddy viscosity, and secondary flow. The discharge results and the corresponding analytic depth-averaged velocity and bed shear stress distributions show good agreement with the experimental data, even when constant parameter values are assumed. The influence of these three parameters on the stage-discharge relationships is explored.