A tool employed in open channel hydraulics determines flow rate based on channel geometry, slope, and roughness. For instance, engineers use this tool to estimate the water flow in a natural river or a constructed canal, given the channel’s cross-sectional area, the water’s depth, the channel’s slope, and a roughness coefficient representing the channel’s material.
This computational method offers essential support for efficient water resource management. It facilitates informed decisions regarding flood control measures, irrigation system design, and wastewater management. Developed in the 19th century, it remains a fundamental aspect of hydraulic engineering, providing a practical approach to understanding and predicting open channel flow behavior.