Module 4

Lecture 3: Kinematic channel modeling

 Kinematic channel modeling

 Representative of collectors or stream channels

 Triangular

 Rectangular

 Trapezoidal

 Circular

 These are completely characterized by slope, length, cross-sectional

dimensions, shape and Manning’s n value.

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Basic channel shapes and their variations

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 Equations of kinematic channel modeling

• The basic forms of the equations are similar to the overland flow Eq. (Eqs.4 .10
and 4.12). For stream channels or collectors,

∂Ac ∂Qc
+ = qo ………..4.13
∂t ∂x

Qc = α c Acmc ……….4.14

where,
Ac= cross sectional flow area (ft2)
Qc= discharge
qo= overland inflow per unit length (cfs/ft)
αc, mc= kinematic wave parameter for the particular channel

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Kinematic channel parameters

shape αc mc
1/ 3
0.94 s  z 
 2 
Triangular 4/3
n 1+ z 

Square 0.72 s 4/3

n

Rectangular
1.49 s
n
(
W −2 / 3 ) 5/3

Trapezoidal Variable, function of A and W

Circular
0.804 s
n
(
Dc1 / 6 ) 5/4

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Example Problem

• Determine αc and mc for the case of a triangular prismatic channel

yc
1
1

Z Z

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Example Problem Contd…

Solution

Area = Ac = Zy c2 and yc = channel depth

Wetted perimeter = Pc = 2 y c 1 + z 2
Ac
hydraulic radius = R =
Pc
Substituting these into manning’s Eq. given by

1.49 Ac5 / 3
Qc = s 2/3
n Pc

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Example Problem Contd…

Qc =
1.49
s
(Z 5/3
y c10 / 3 )
n (
1.59 y c2 / 3 1 + Z 2 )
1/ 3

1/ 3

Qc =
0.94  Z 
s 2 
(Zy ) 2 4/3

1+ Z 
c
n
1/ 3
 Z 
Qc =
0.94
s 2 
( Ac )4 / 3
n 1+ Z 

From Eq.14, Qc = α c Ac c. Therefore,

m

1/ 3
0.94  Z  and m = 4/3
αc = s 2  c
n 1+ Z 

Module 4
 Highlights in the module

 This module presents the concept of kinetic wave model which assumes the
that the weight or gravity force of flowing water is simply balanced by the
resistive forces of bed friction

 The brief introduction to St. Venant equations is provided in this module,

whereas, the complete part of this is covered in module-6.

Module 4