The critical state of flow through a channel section may be defined as...
The characteristics of critical flow are:
(i) The specific energy and specific force are minimum for the given discharge.
(ii) The Froude number is equal to unity.
(iii) For a given specific energy the discharge is maximum at the critical flow.
(iv) The velocity head is equal to half the hydraulic depth in a channel of a small slope.
(v) Flow at the critical state is unstable.
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The critical state of flow through a channel section may be defined as...
Definition of Critical State of Flow
The critical state of flow through a channel section is the state of flow at which the specific energy is maximum for a given discharge. This can also be referred to as the critical depth of flow.
Explanation
The specific energy of a fluid is the energy per unit weight of the fluid. It is a combination of the kinetic energy and potential energy of the fluid. The specific force, on the other hand, is the force per unit weight of the fluid. It is the force exerted by the fluid on a unit area of the channel bed.
The critical state of flow occurs when the specific energy is maximum for a given discharge. This is the state at which the channel is in a state of equilibrium, where the kinetic energy of the fluid is just enough to overcome the potential energy of the fluid. In this state, the fluid is flowing at the maximum velocity possible for a given discharge.
The critical state of flow is important in the design of channels and canals, as it determines the minimum size of the channel required to convey a given discharge. It is also important in the analysis of flood flows, as it determines the depth of water that will be reached in a channel during a flood event.
Conclusion
In summary, the critical state of flow through a channel section is the state of flow at which the specific energy is maximum for a given discharge. It is an important concept in the design and analysis of channels and canals.