Differences between Pipe Flow and Open Channel Flow

Differences between Pipe Flow and Open Channel Flow

Pipe flow

Flow driven by : Pressure work

Flow cross section : Known fixed

Characteristics flow parameters : velocity deduced from continuity

Speciic boundary conditions :  -

Open Channel flow

Flow driven by : Gravity (potential energy)

Flow cross section : Unknown in advance because the flow depth is unknown

Characteristics flow parameters : Flow depth deduced simultaneously from solving both continuity and momentum equations

Speciic boundary conditions : Atmospheric pressure at the free surface