Manning Equation - Open Channel Flow using Excel

Harlan H. Bengtson, PhD, P.E.

COURSE CONTENT

1. Introduction
The Manning equation is a widely used empirical equation for uniform open
channel flow of water. It provides a relationship among several open channel
flow parameters of interest: flow rate or average velocity, bottom slope of the
channel, cross-sectional area of flow, wetted perimeter, and Manning roughness
coefficient for the channel. Open channel flow takes place in natural channels
like rivers and streams, as well as in manmade channels like those used to
transport wastewater and in circular sewers flowing partially full.

The main topic of this course is uniform open channel flow, in which the
channel slope, water velocity and water depth remain constant. This includes a
variety of example calculations with the Manning equation and the use of Excel
spreadsheets for those calculations.

Figure 1. Bighorn River in Montana – a Natural Open Channel

Image Source: National Park Service, Bighorn Canyon National Recreational
Area website at: https://www.nps.gov/bica/planyourvisit/bighorn-river-in-
montana.htm

Figure 2. Irrigation Canal Branch in Sinai – A man-made open channel

Image Source: Egypt-Finland Agric. Res Proj

2. Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student will

• Know the differences between laminar & turbulent, steady state &
unsteady state, and uniform & non-uniform open channel flow.

• Be able to calculate the hydraulic radius for flow of a specified depth in

an open channel with specified cross-sectional shape and size.

• Be able to calculate the Reynolds Number for a specified open channel

flow and determine whether the flow will be laminar or turbulent flow.

• Be able to use tables such as the examples given in this course to

determine a value for Manning roughness coefficient for flow in a
manmade or natural open channel.
 • Be able to use the Manning Equation to calculate volumetric flow rate,
average velocity, Manning roughness coefficient, or channel bottom
slope, if given adequate information about a reach of open channel flow

• Be able to use the Manning Equation, with an iterative procedure, to

calculate normal depth for specified volumetric flow rate, channel bottom
slope, channel shape & size, and Manning roughness coefficient for a
reach of open channel flow

• Be able to make Manning Equation calculations in either U.S. units or S.I.

units

• Be able to calculate the Manning roughness coefficient for a natural

channel based on descriptive information about the channel.

• Be able to carry out a variety of calculations for full or partially full flow
under gravity in a circular pipe site.

3. Topics Covered in this Course

I. Open Channel Flow vs Pipe Flow

II. Classifications of Open Channel Flow

A. Laminar or Turbulent Flow

B. Steady State or Unsteady State Flow
C. Supercritical, Subcritical or Critical Flow
D. Uniform or Nonuniform flow

III. Manning Equation/Uniform Open Channel Flow Basics

A. The Manning Equation

B. Manning Roughness Coefficient
C. Reynolds Number
 D. Hydraulic Radius
E. The Manning Equation in S.I. Units
F. The Manning Equation in Terms of V Instead of Q

IV. Manning Equation Calculations for Manmade Channels

A. The Easy Parameters to Calculate with the Manning Equation

B. The Hard Parameter to Calculate - Determination of Normal Depth
C. Circular Pipes Flowing Full
D. Circular Pipes Flowing Partially Full

V. Uniform Flow Calculations for Natural Channels

A. The Manning Roughness Coefficient for Natural Channels

B. Manning Equation Calculations

VI. Summary

VII. References and Websites

4. Open Channel Flow vs Pipe Flow

The term “open channel flow” is used to refer to flow with a free surface at
atmospheric pressure, in which the driving force for flow is gravity. Pipe flow,
on the other hand is used to refer to flow in a closed conduit under pressure, in
which the primary driving force is typically pressure. Open channel flow occurs
in natural channels, such as rivers and streams and in manmade channels, as for
storm water, waste water and irrigation water. This course is about open
channel flow, and in particular, about uniform open channel flow. The next
section covers several different classifications of types of open channel flow,
including clarification of the difference between uniform and nonuniform open
channel flow.
5. Classifications of Open Channel Flow
A. Turbulent and Laminar Flow: Description of a given flow as being either
laminar or turbulent is used for several fluid flow applications (like pipe flow
and flow past a flat plate) as well as for open channel flow. In each of these
fluid flow applications a Reynolds number is used for the criterion to determine
whether a given flow will be laminar or turbulent. For open channel flow a
Reynolds number below 500 is typically used as the criterion for laminar flow,
while the flow will typically be turbulent for a Reynolds number greater than
12,500. For a flow with Reynolds number between 500 and 12,500, other
conditions, like the upstream channel conditions and the roughness of the
channel walls will determine whether the flow is laminar or turbulent.

Background on Laminar and Turbulent Flow: Osborne Reynolds reported in the

late 1800s on experiments that he performed observing the difference between
laminar and turbulent flow in pipes and quantifying the conditions for which
each would occur. In his classic experiments, he injected dye into a transparent
pipe containing a flowing fluid. He observed that the dye flowed in a streamline
and didn’t mix with the rest of the fluid under some conditions, which he called
laminar flow. Under other conditions, however, he observed that the net
velocity of the fluid was in the direction of flow, but there were eddy currents in
all directions that caused mixing of the fluid. Under these turbulent flow
conditions, the entire fluid became colored with the dye. The figure below
illustrates laminar and turbulent open channel flow.

Figure 3. Dye injection into laminar & turbulent open channel flow
Laminar flow, sometimes also called streamline flow, occurs for flows with high
fluid viscosity and/or low velocity. Turbulent flow takes place for flows with
low fluid viscosity and/or high velocity.

More discussion of the Reynolds number and its calculation for open channel
flow are given in Section 6 of this course. For most practical cases of water
transport in either manmade or natural open channels, the Reynolds number is
greater than 12,500, and thus the flow is turbulent. One notable exception is
flow of a thin liquid layer on a large flat surface, such as rainfall runoff from a
parking lot, highway, or airport runway. This type of flow, often called sheet
flow, is typically laminar.

B. Unsteady State and Steady State Flow: The concepts of steady state and
unsteady state flow are used for a variety of fluid flow applications, including
open channel flow. Steady state flow is taking place whenever there are no
changes in velocity pattern or magnitude with time at a given channel cross
section. When unsteady state flow is present, however, there are changes of
velocity with time at any given cross section in the flow. Steady state open
channel flow takes place when a constant flow rate of liquid is passing through
the channel. Unsteady state open channel flow takes place when there is a
changing flow rate, as for example in a river after a rainstorm. Steady state or
nearly steady state conditions are present for many practical open channel flow
situations. The equations and calculations presented in this course are all for
steady state flow.

C. Critical, Subcritical, and Supercritical Flow: Any open channel flow

must be one of these three classifications: supercritical, subcritical or critical
flow. The interpretation of these three classifications of open channel flow, and
the differences among them, aren’t as obvious or intuitive as the interpretation
and the differences for the other classifications (steady and unsteady state,
laminar and turbulent, and uniform and non-uniform flow). Some of the
behaviors for subcritical and supercritical flow and the transitions between them
may not be what you would intuitively expect. Supercritical flow takes place
when there is a relatively high liquid velocity and relatively shallow depth of
flow. Subcritical flow, as one might expect, takes place when there is a
relatively low liquid velocity and relatively deep flow. The Froude number (Fr
= V/(gl)1/2) provides information about whether a given flow is supercritical,
subcritical or critical. For subcritical flow, Fr is less than one; for supercritical
flow, it is greater than one; and for critical flow it is equal to one. Further
details about subcritical, supercritical and critical flow are beyond the scope of
this course.

D. Non-Uniform and Uniform Flow: Uniform flow will occur in a reach of

open channel whenever there is a constant flow rate of liquid passing through
the channel, the bottom slope is constant, the channel surface roughness is
constant, and the cross-section shape & size are constant. Under these
conditions, the depth of flow and the average velocity of the flowing liquid will
remain constant in that reach of channel. Non-uniform flow will be present for
reaches of channel where there are changes in the bottom slope, channel surface
roughness, cross-section shape, and/or cross-section size. Whenever the bottom
slope, surface roughness, and channel cross-section shape and size become
constant in a downstream reach of channel, another set of uniform flow
conditions will occur there. This is illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Non-uniform and Uniform Open Channel Flow

6. Manning Equation/Uniform Open Channel Flow Basics
As just described above, uniform open channel flow takes place in a channel
reach that has constant channel cross-section size and shape, constant surface
roughness, and constant bottom slope, with a constant volumetric flow rate of
liquid passing through the channel. These conditions lead to flow at a constant
depth of flow and constant liquid velocity, as illustrated in Figure 2.

A. The Manning Equation is an empirical equation that was developed by the

French engineer, Philippe Gauckler in 1867. It was redeveloped by the Irish
engineer, Robert Manning, in 1890. Although this equation is also known as the
Gauckler-Manning equation, it is much more commonly known simply as the
Manning equation or Manning formula in the United States. This formula gives
the relationship among several parameters of interest for uniform flow of water
in an open channel. Not only is the Manning equation empirical, it is also a
dimensional equation. This means that the units to be used for each of the
parameters must be specified for a given constant in the equation. For
commonly used U.S. units the Manning Equation and the units for its parameters
are as follows:

Q = (1.49/n)A(Rh2/3)S1/2 (1)

Where:

• Q = the volumetric flow rate of water passing through the channel reach
in ft3/sec.

• n = the Manning roughness coefficient for the channel surface ( a

dimensionless, empirical constant).
 • A = the cross-sectional area of water normal to the flow direction in ft2.

• Rh = the hydraulic radius (Rh = A/P). (A is the cross-sectional area as

defined just above in ft2 and P is the wetted perimeter of the cross-
sectional area of flowing water in ft.

• S = the bottom slope of the channel* in ft/ft (dimensionless).

*S is actually the slope of the energy grade line. For uniform flow, however, the
depth of flow is constant and the velocity head is constant, so the slope of the
energy grade line is the same as that of the hydraulic grade line and is the same
as the slope of the water surface, which is the same as the channel bottom slope.
For convenience, the channel bottom slope is typically used for S in the
Manning Equation.

B. Manning Roughness Coefficient, n, is a dimensionless, empirical

constant, as just described above. Its value depends on the nature of the
channel and its surfaces. There are table with values of n for various channel
types and surfaces in many handbooks and textbooks, as well as at several
online sources. Table 1 below is a typical table of this type. This table gives n
values for several manmade open channel surfaces. Values of n for natural
channels will be addressed in Section 8.
 Table 1. Manning Roughness Coefficient, n, for Selected Surfaces

Source for n values in Table 1: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com

C. The Reynolds number for open channel flow is defined as Re = VRh/,

where Rh is the hydraulic radius, as defined above, V is the liquid velocity (=
Q/A), and  and  are the density and viscosity respectively of the flowing fluid.
Since the Reynolds number is dimensionless, any consistent set of units can be
used for RhV, and . If done properly, all of the units will cancel out,
leaving Re dimensionless.

The flow must be in the turbulent regime in order to use the Manning equation
for uniform open channel flow. It is fortunate that nearly all practical instances
of water transport through an open channel have Re greater than 12,500, in
which case the flow is turbulent and the Manning equation can be used.

The Manning equation is specifically for the flow of water, and no water
properties are required in the equation. In order to calculate the Reynolds
number to check on whether the flow is turbulent, however, values of density
and viscosity for the water in question are needed. Tables of density and
viscosity values for water as a function of temperature are available in many
textbooks, handbooks, and websites. Table 2 below gives values for density and
viscosity of water from 32oF to 70oF.

Table 2. Density and Viscosity of Water

Example #1: Water at 60oF is flowing 1.2 feet deep in a 3 foot wide rectangular
open channel, as shown in the diagram below. The channel is made of concrete
(made with wooden forms) and has a bottom slope of 0.0008. Determine
whether the flow is laminar or turbulent.
Solution: Based on the problem statement, this will be uniform flow. The flow
is probably turbulent, however the velocity is needed in order to calculate the
Reynolds number. Hence we will assume that the flow is turbulent, use the
Manning equation to calculate Q and V. Then Re can be calculated to check on
whether the flow is indeed turbulent.

The parameters needed for the right side of the Manning equation are as follows:

From Table 1, for concrete made with wooden forms: n = 0.015

A = (1.2)(3) = 3.6 ft2

P = 3 + (2)(1.2) = 5.4 ft

Rh = A/P = 3.6/5.4 = 0.6667 ft

S = 0.0008 (given in problem statement)

Substituting into the Manning equation (Q = (1.49/n)A(Rh2/3)S1/2) :

Q = 1.49/0.015)(3.6)(0.66672/3)(0.00081/2) = 7.72 cfs

Now the average velocity, V, can be calculated:

V = Q/A = 7.72/3.6 = 2.14 ft/sec

From Table 2, for 60oF:  = 1.938 slugs/ft3 and  = 2.334 x 10-5 lb-sec/ft2

Substituting into Re = VRh/ :

Re = (1.938)(2.14)(0.6667)/2.334 x 10-5 = 118,470

Since Re > 12,500, this open channel flow is turbulent

D. Hydraulic Radius is a parameter that must be calculated for various channel

shapes in order to use the Manning Equation. Some common cross-sectional
shapes used for open channel flow are rectangular, trapezoidal triangular,
circular, and semicircular. Formulas for the hydraulic radius for each of these
channel shapes will now be presented.

A rectangular channel allows easy calculation of the hydraulic radius. The

bottom width will be represented by b and the depth of flow will be represented
by y, as shown in the Figure 5 below.

Figure 5. Rectangular Open Channel Cross-Section

The area and wetted perimeter will be as follows:

A = by P = 2y + b

Then Rh = A/P, or:

For a rectangular channel: Rh = by/(2y + b) (2)

A trapezoidal cross-section is used for some manmade open channels and can
be used as an approximation of the cross-sectional shape for some natural
channels. Figure 6 shows the parameters typically used to describe the size and
shape of a trapezoidal channel.

Figure 6. Trapezoidal Open Channel Cross-section

The channel bottom width and the water depth are represented by b and y, the
same as with the rectangular channel. Additional parameters for the trapezoidal
channel shape are:

• B, the water surface width;

• l, the wetted length of the sloped side;

• , the angle of the sloped side of the channel from the vertical; and

• z, the channel side slope expressed as horiz:vert = z:1.

The size and shape of a trapezoidal channel are often specified with the bottom
width, b, and the side slope, z. The hydraulic radius for flow in a trapezoidal
open channel can be expressed in terms of y, b, and z, as follows:
i) The cross-sectional area of flow, A, is the area of the trapezoid in Figure 4:

A = y(b + B)/2 = (y/2)(b + B)

From Figure 6, it can be seen that the surface width, B, is greater than the
bottom width, b, by zy at each end, or:

B = b + 2zy

Substituting for B into the equation for A gives:

A = (y/2)(b + b + 2zy) = (y/2)(2b + 2zy)

Simplifying gives: A = by + zy2

As shown in Figure 6, the wetted perimeter of the cross-sectional area of flow is

P = b + 2l

By Pythagoras’ Theorem for the triangle at each end of the trapezoid:

l2 = y2 + (yz)2 or l = [y2 + (yz)2]1/2

Substituting for l into the equation for P and simplifying gives:

P = b + 2y(1 + z2)1/2

Substituting for A and P in Rh = A/P gives:

For a trapezoidal open channel: Rh = (by + zy2)/[b + 2y(1 + z2)1/2] (3)

Example #2: Determine the hydraulic radius of water flowing 1.5 ft deep in a
trapezoidal open channel with a bottom width of 2 ft and side slope of
horiz:vert = 3:1.

Solution: From the problem statement, y = 1.5 ft, b = 2 ft, and z = 3.

Substituting these values into the expression for hydraulic radius gives:
Rh = (2*1.5 + 3*1.52)/[2 + 2*1.5(1 + 32)1/2] = 0.849 ft

This type of calculation can conveniently be done using an Excel spreadsheet

like the simple one shown in the screenshot in Figure 7 below. This particular
spreadsheet is set up to allow user entry of the channel bottom width, the depth
of flow, and the side slope expressed as z. The spreadsheet then calculates the
cross-sectional area of flow, A, the wetted perimeter, P, and the hydraulic
radius, Rh, for the trapezoidal channel. The equations shown at the bottom of
the worksheet are the same as those presented and discussed in this course.

Figure 7. Hydraulic Radius Calculator Spreadsheet

The triangular open channel cross-sectional shape is the third one that we’ll be
considering. Figure 8 below shows the parameters typically used to specify the
size and shape of a triangular channel. They are:

• B, the surface width of the water in the channel

• y, the water depth in the channel, measured from the triangle vertex

• l, the wetted length of the sloped side; and

• z, the channel side slope expressed as horiz:vert = z:1.

Figure 8. Triangular Open Channel Cross-Section

For a triangular open channel, it‘s convenient to have the hydraulic radius
expressed in terms of y and z, which can be done as follows:

The area of the triangle in Figure 8, which represents the area of flow is:
A = (1/2)By, but as shown in the figure, B = 2zy. Substituting for B in the
equation for A and simplifying gives:

A = y2z

Also from Figure 8, it can be seen that the wetted perimeter is: P = 2l.
Substituting l = [y2 + (yz)2]1/2 (as shown above for the trapezoid), and
simplifying gives:

P = 2[y2(1 + z2)]1/2

Substituting for A and P in Rh = A/P gives:

For a trianglular open channel: Rh = y2z/{2[y2(1 + z2)]1/2 } (4)

Circular pipes are used for open channel (gravity) flow for applications like
storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and circular culverts. These pipe typically flow
only partially full most of the time, but the full flow scenario is often used for
hydraulic design. Hydraulic radius expressions for the full flow and half full
cross-sections will be developed here. There will be additional discussion of
partially full pipe flow in Section 7.

Figure 9 shows a diagram for a pipe flowing full and a pipe flowing half full.
The only parameters needed for either of these cases are the diameter and the
radius of the pipe.

Figure 9. Circular and semicircular Open Channel Cross-Sections

The hydraulic radius for a circular pipe of diameter D, flowing full, can be
calculated as follows:

The cross-sectional area of flow is: A = D2/4

The wetted perimeter is: P = D

The hydraulic radius is: Rh = A/P = (D2/4)/(d)

Or simply (for a pipe flowing full): Rh = D/4 (5)

For the semicircular shape of a pipe flowing exactly half full, the area, A, and
the wetted perimeter, P, will each be half of the values for the full pipe flow.
Thus the hydraulic radius will remain the same, so

(for a pipe flowing half full): Rh = D/4 (6)

E. The Manning Equation in SI Units is the same as that for U.S. units except
that the constant is 1.00 instead of 1.49:

Q = (1.00/n)A(Rh2/3)S1/2 (7)

Where:

• Q = the volumetric flow rate of water passing through the channel reach
in m3/s.

• n = the Manning roughness coefficient for the channel surface ( a

dimensionless, empirical constant).

• A = the cross-sectional area of water normal to the flow direction in m2.

• Rh = the hydraulic radius in m (Rh = A/P). (A is the cross-sectional area

as defined just above in m2 and P is the wetted perimeter of the cross-
sectional area of flowing water in m.
 • S = the bottom slope of the channel* in m/m (dimensionless).

F. The Manning Equation in terms of Average Velocity: For some

calculations, it is better to have the Manning Equation expressed in terms of
average velocity, V, instead of in terms of volumetric flow rate. The
definition of average velocity is V = Q/A, where Q and A are as
previously defined. Substituting Q = VA into the Manning equation as given
in Equation (1), and solving for V gives the following form of the Manning
equation.

For U.S. units: V = (1.49/n)(Rh2/3)S1/2 (8)

For S.I. units, the constant is 1.00 instead of 1.49, giving:

For S.I. units: V = (1.00/n)(Rh2/3)S1/2 (9)

7. Manning Equation Calculations for Manmade Channels

A. The Easy Parameters to Calculate with the Manning Equation: Several

different parameters can be the “unknown” to be calculated with the Manning
equation, based on known values for enough other parameters. If Q and V, S, or
n is the unknown parameter to be calculated, and enough information is known
to calculate the hydraulic radius, then the solution involves simply substituting
values into the Manning equation and solving for the desired unknown
parameter. These four parameters are thus the “easy parameters to calculate.”
This type of Manning equation calculation is illustrated with several examples
here. Then in the next section, we’ll take a look at the hard parameter to
calculate, normal depth.

Example #3: Use the Manning equation to determine the volumetric flow rate
and average velocity of water flowing 0.9 m deep in a trapezoidal open channel
with bottom width equal to 1.2 m and side slope of horiz:vert = 2:1. The
channel is concrete poured with steel forms and its bottom slope is 0.0003.

Solution: The hydraulic radius can be calculated from the specified information
(y = 0.9 m, b = 1.2 m, & z = 2) using the formula for a trapezoidal channel as
follows:

Rh = (by + zy2)/[b + 2y(1 + z2)1/2]

= (1.2*0.9 + 2*0.92)/[1.2 + 2*0.9(1 + 22)1/2]

Rh = 0.517 m (also: A = by + zy2 = 1.2*0.9 + 2*0.92 = 2.70 m2

Substituting Rh and A into Equation (1) along with S = 0.0003 (given) and
n = 0.011 (from Table 1) gives:

Q = (1.00/n)A(Rh2/3)S1/2 = (1.00/0.011)(2.70)(0.5172/3)(0.00031/2)

Q = 2.74 m3/s

Now the average velocity, V, can be calculated from V = Q/A = 2.74/2.70 m/s

V = 1.01 m/s

This type of calculation is also easy to make with an Excel spreadsheet, like the
one shown in the Figure 8 screenshot on the next page.

Example #4: What would be the required slope for a 15 inch diameter circular
storm sewer made of centrifugally spun concrete, if it needs to have an average
velocity of at least 3.0 ft/sec when it’s flowing full?

Solution: For the 15” diameter sewer, Rh = D/4 = (15/12)/4 = 0.3125 ft.
From Table 1, for centrifugally spun concrete, n = 0.013. Substituting these
values for Rh and n, along with the given value of V = 3.0 ft/sec, into Equation
(8) and solving for S gives:
 S = {(0.013)(3.0)/[1.49(1/4)2/3]}2 = 0.00435 = S

Figure 10. A Spreadsheet for Q & V in a Trapezoidal Channel

Determination of the required Manning roughness coefficient, n, for a specified

flow rate or velocity, bottom slope, and adequate information to calculate the
hydraulic radius, would be a less common calculation, but would proceed in a
manner very similar to Example #3 and Example #4.
B. The Hard Parameter to Calculate - Determination of Normal Depth:
When the depth of flow, y, is the unknown parameter to be determined using the
Manning equation, an iterative calculation procedure is often required. This is
because an equation with y as the only unknown can typically be obtained, but
the equation usually can’t be solved explicitly for y, making this “the hard
parameter to calculate.” The depth of flow for a given flow rate through a
channel reach of known shape size & material and known bottom slope is called
the normal depth, and is sometimes represented by the symbol, yo.

The typical situation requiring determination of the normal depth, yo, will have
specified values for the flow rate, Q, the Manning roughness coefficient, n, and
channel bottom slope, S, along with adequate channel size and shape
information to allow A and Rh to be expressed as functions of yo.

The approach for calculating the normal depth, yo, for a situation as described
above, is to rearrange the Manning equation to:

ARh2/3 = Qn/(1.49S1/2) (10)

The right side of this equation will be a constant and the left side will be an
expression with yo as the only unkown. The next couple of examples illustrate
calculation of yo using an iterative calculation with Equation (10).

Example #5: Determine the normal depth for a water flow rate of 20 ft3/sec,
through a rectangular channel with a bottom slope of 0.00025, bottom width of 4
ft, and Manning roughness coefficient of 0.012.

Solution: Substituting the expressions for A and Rh for a rectangular channel

into the left hand of Equation (10) and substituting the given values for Q, n, and
S into the right side, gives:

4yo(4yo/(4 + 2yo))2/3 = (20)(0.012)/[1.49 (0.000251/2)] = 10.187

This equation has yo as the only unknown. The equation can’t be solved
explicitly for yo, but it can be solved by an iterative (trial and error) process as
illustrated in the Excel spreadsheet screenshot in Figure 11 on the next page.
The spreadsheet screenshot shows the solution to be: yo = 2.40 ft, accurate to 3
significant figures. Note that this type of iterative calculation can also be
accomplished with Excel's Goal Seek or Solver tool.

Figure 11. A Spreadsheet for Normal Depth in a Rectangular Channel

Example #6: Determine the normal depth for a water flow rate of 20 ft3/sec,
through a trapezoidal channel with a bottom slope of 0.00025, bottom width of 4
ft, side slope of horiz:vert = 2:1, and Manning roughness coefficient of 0.012.
Solution: The values of Q, n, & S are the same as for Example #5, so the right
hand side of Equation (10) will remain the same at 10.187. The left hand side
will be somewhat more complicated with the expression for Rh as a function of
yo for a trapezoid. Equation (10) for this calculation is:

(4yo + 2yo2){(4yo + 2yo2)/[4 + 2yo(1 + 22)1/2]}2/3 = 10.187

The iterative calculations leading to yo = 1.49 ft are shown below. The solution
is yo = 1.49 ft, because 10.228 is closer to the target value of 10.187, than the
value of 10.094 for yo = 1.48 or 10.363 for yo = 1.50.

C. Circular Pipes Flowing Full : Because of the simple form of the equations
for hydraulic radius and cross-sectional area as functions of the diameter for a
circular pipe flowing full ( Rh = D/4 and A = D2/4 ), the Manning equation
can be conveniently used to calculate Q and V, D, S, or n if the other parameters
are known. Several useful forms of the Manning equation for a circular pipe
flowing full under gravity are:

Q = (1.49/n)(D2/4)((D/4)2/3)S1/2 (11)

V = (1.49/n)((D/4)2/3)S1/2 (12)

D = 4[Vn/(1.49S1/2)]3/2 (13)

D = 1.33Qn/S1/2 (14)

Note that these four equations are for the U.S. units previously specified. For
S.I. units, the 1.49 should be replaced with 1.00 in the first three equations. In
Equation (14), 1.33 should be replaced with 0.893.
Hydraulic design of storm sewers is typically based on full pipe flow using
equations (11) through (14).

Example #7: What would be the flow rate and velocity in a 30 inch diameter
storm sewer that has n = 0.011 and slope = 0.00095, when it is flowing full
under gravity?

Solution: Substituting the given values of n, D, and S into Equation (12) gives:

V = (1.49/0.011)[((30/12)/4)2/3](0.000951/2) = 3.052 ft/sec = V

Then Q can be calculated from Q = VA = V(D2/4)

Q = (3.05 ft/sec)[(2.52)/4 ft2] = 15.0 cfs = Q

D. Circular Pipes Flowing Partially Full : Although hydraulic design of

storm sewers is typically done on the basis of the circular pipe flowing full, a
storm sewer will often flow partially full due to a storm of intensity less than the
design storm. Thus, there is sometimes interest in calculations for partially full
pipe flow, such as the flow rate or velocity at a given depth of flow or the depth
of flow for a given velocity or flow rate.

Figure 12 shows the depth of flow, y, and the diameter, D, as used for partially
full pipe flow calculations.
 Figure 12. Depth of flow, y, and Diameter, D, for Partially Full Pipe Flow

Graphical Solution: One common way of handling partially full pipe flow
calculations is through the use of a graph that correlates V/Vfull and Q/Qfull to
y/D, as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13. Flow Rate and Velocity Ratios in Pipes Flowing Partially Full
If values of D, Vfull and Qfull are known or can be calculated, then the velocity,
V, and flow rate, Q, can be calculated for any depth of flow, y, in that pipe
through the use of figure 13.

Example #8: What would be the velocity and flow rate in the storm sewer of
Example #7 (D = 30”, n = 0.011, S = 0.00095) when it is flowing at a depth of
12 inches?

Solution: From the solution to Example #7: Vfull = 3.052 ft/sec and Qfull = 15.0
cfs. From the given y and D values: y/D = 12/30 = 0.40. From Figure 13, for
y/D = 0.40, V/Vfull = 0.70 and Q/Qfull = 0.25.

V = (V/Vfull)Vfull = (0.70)(3.052) ft/sec = 2.14 ft/sec = V

Q = (Q/Qfull)Qfull = (0.25)(15.0) cfs = Q

Background on Equations for Partially Full Pipe Flow: There are equations
available to calculate the A and P for any depth of flow in a circular pipe (as
presented below). These equations allow calculation of the hydraulic radius for
partially full pipe flow. If the hydraulic radius calculated by this method is used
with the Manning equation, using the full pipe value for n, the calculated flow
rate and velocity don’t agree well with experimental measurements. This was
observed by T.R Camp in 1946 (reference #3). Camp developed a method that
uses Manning roughness, n, to be variable as a function of y/D, which makes
calculated results agree with experimental measurements. Camp is the original
source for a diagram like Figure 13, which gives V/Vfull, Q/Qfull, and n/nfull as
functions of y/D. The graphs in Figure 13 were created using values read from a
similar graph in Steel & McGhee (reference # 2).

Equations for less than half full pipe flow: The diagram and equations below
summarize the calculation of A, P, & Rh for a pipe flowing less than half full
 Figure 14. Diagram and Equations for Less Than Half Full Pipe Flow

For known pipe diameter, D, and depth of flow, y, the equations above allow
calculation of cross-sectional area of flow, A, and wetted perimeter, P. Then the
hydraulic radius can be calculated from Rh = A/P, for a pipe flowing less than
half full.

Equations for more than half full pipe flow: The diagram and equations
below summarize the calculation of A, P, & Rh for a pipe flowing more than half
full:
 Figure 15. Diagram and Equations for More Than Half Full Pipe Flow

Similarly, this set of equations allow calculation of A, P, and Rh if the pipe

diameter and depth of flow are known for more than half full pipe flow.

Equation for n/nfull: As discussed above, in addition to the value of the

hydraulic radius, the value of Mannings roughness coefficient is needed at the
given y/D value in order to proceed with a Manning equation calculation.

The following equation can be used to calculate n/nfull as a function of y/D:

The source for this equation is: Goswami, I., Civil Engineering All-in-One PE
Exam Guide Breadth and Depth, 2nd Ed, McGraw-Hill, NY, NY, 2012,
Equation 303.32

These equations provide all of the tools necessary to make Manning equation
calculations for partially full pipe flow. With all of the equations and all of the
steps required, Excel spreadsheets are ideal for this type of calculation. For a
more detailed discussion of Manning equation calculations for partially full pipe
flow, and the use of spreadsheets for those calculations, see reference #6 at the
end of this course.

8. Uniform Flow Calculations for Natural Open Channels

The Manning equation is used a lot for natural channel flow calculations, as well
as with the manmade channel examples we’ve already considered. One of the
primary differences in using the Manning equation for natural channel flow is
the lack of precision in estimation of Manning roughness coefficient values.

A. The Manning Roughness Coefficient: There are several approaches

available for determining the Manning roughness coefficient, n, for flow in a
natural open channel, including i) experimental determination of n; ii) use of a
table or tables that give maximum, minimum and average n values for a variety
of channel descriptions; and iii) a method devised by Cowan (reference #4) that
uses a base n value determined by the general type of channel and modifies that
base n value based on various descriptors of the channel. A bit more about each
of these methods follows.
i) Experimental determination of the Manning roughness coefficient can be
accomplished by measuring the depth of flowing water, the size and shape of the
channel cross-section, and the volumetric flow rate for a given reach of channel.
These measured values can be used to calculate an empirical value for n that can
then be used for subsequent Manning equation calculations for that reach of
channel.

Example #9: Calculate the Manning roughness coefficient, n, for a reach of

river channel that has a bottom slope of 0.00028, with a cross-section that can be
approximated as a trapezoid with bottom width equal to 8 ft and side slopes of
horiz:vert = 4:1, if the flow rate has been estimated to be 75 cfs in that reach
when the depth of water is 3 ¼ ft.

Solution: The Manning equation can be solved for n to give:

n = (1.49/Q)A(Rh2/3)S1/2

The area and hydraulic radius of the trapezoidal cross-section are calculated as
follows:

A = by + zy2 = 8*3.25 + 4*3.252 = 68.25 ft2

P = b + 2y(1 + z2)1/2 = 8 + 2*3.25(1 + 42)1/2 = 34.80 ft

Rh = A/P = 68.25/34.80 = 1.96 ft

Substituting values into the above equation for n gives:

n = (1.49/75)(68.25)(1.962/3)(0.000281/2) = 0.0355 = n

ii) There are Tables of n values in many textbooks and handbooks, as well as
on websites. The table on the next two pages is an example from the Indiana
Department of Transportation Design Manual (website ref # 1 ). Similar tables
of n values are available on many state agency websites. The table below from
the Indiana DOT Design Manual gives minimum, maximum, and normal values
of the Manning roughness coefficient for a range of excavated or dredged and
natural stream channels.
Table 3. Manning Roughness Coefficient, n, for Natural Channels
Example #10: What are the minimum, maximum, and normal values of the
Manning roughness coefficient, n, for a minor mountain stream with no
vegetation in the channel, banks usually steep, trees and brush along banks
submerged at high stages, and cobbles with large boulders on the bottom, based
on Table 3 below, from the Indiana DOT Design Manual?

Solution: From Table 3, the values of n for the described natural channel are:
nmin = 0.040, nmax = 0.07, nnormal = 0.050

iii) The Cowan procedure was first presented in reference #4. There is also a
good description of this method in McCuen (reference #5). This procedure uses
a base n value with several terms added to it based on characteristics of the
channel, as described below.

1. The Base Roughness Coefficient, n1, is selected from the

following based on the character of the channel:

• Channels in earth: n1 = 0.02

• Channels cut into rock: n1 = 0.025

• Channels in fine gravel: n1 = 0.024

• Channels in coarse gravel: n1 = 0.028

2. The value for the Irregularity Modifier, n2, is selected from the
following based on the degree of irregularity:

• Smooth (surface comparable to the best attainable for the

materials involved) n2 = 0.000

• Minor (good dredged channels; slightly eroded or scoured side

slopes of canals) n2 = 0.005
 • Moderate (fair to poor deredged channels; moderately sloughed
or eroded canal side slopes) n2 = 0.010

• Severe (badly sloughed banks of natural streams; badly eroded

or sloughed sides of canals or drainage channels; unshaped,
jagged and irregular surfaces of channels excavated in rock
n2 = 0.020

3. The value for the Cross Section Modifier, n3, is selected from the
following based on the character of variations in size & shape of cross
section:

• Change in size or shape occurs gradually n3 = 0.000

• Large & small sections alternate occasionally or shape changes

cause occasional shifting of main flow from side to side
n3 = 0.005

• Large & small sections alternate frequently or shape changes

cause frequent shifting of main flow from side to side
n3 = 0.010 – 0.020

4. The value for the Obstruction Modifier, n4, is selected from the
following based on the relative effect of obstructions:

• Negligible n4 = 0.000

• Minor n4 = 0.010 – 0.015

• Appreciable n4 = 0.020 – 0.030

• Severe n4 = 0.040 – 0.060

 5. The value for the Vegetation Modifier, n5, is selected from the
following based on the degree of vegetation effect on n:

• Low n5 = 0.005 – 0.010

• Medium n5 = 0.010 – 0.020

• Appreciable n5 = 0.020 – 0.050

• Very High n5 = 0.050 – 0.100

6. The value for the Menadering Modifier, n6, is selected from the
following based on the degree of meander:

• Minor ( meander length:straight length = 1.0 – 1.2 )

n6 = 0.000

• Appreciable ( meander length:straight length = 1.2 – 1.5 )

n6 = 0.15ns

• Severe ( meander length:straight length > 1.5 )

n6 = 0.30ns

Where ns = n1 + n2 + n3 + n4 + n5

7. The value of the Manning Roughness Coefficient is calculated

from:

n = n1 + n2 + n3 + n4 + n5 + n6

Example #11: Estimate the value for the Manning roughness coefficient for a
channel in earth with minor irregularity, only gradual changes in size or shape,
minor obstructions, medium effect of vegetation, and minor meander.
Solution: From the lists above: n1 = 0.02, n2 = 0.005, n3 = 0.000, n4 =
0.010 – 0.015, n5 = 0.010 – 0.020, and n6 = 0.000. Choosing the midpoint of
the ranges given for n4 and n5 (n4 = 0.0125 and n5 = 0.015) gives the
following equation for n:

n = 0.02 + 0.005 + 0.000 + 0.0125 + 0.015 + 0.000

n = 0.0525

B. Manning Equation Calculations for natural channels are the same as for
manmade channels except for less precision in estimating the Manning
roughness coefficient and greater difficulty in determining the hydraulic radius
if the channel cross-section isn’t a simple shape.

Example #12: A reach of channel of a minor stream on a plain is described as

clean, winding, with some pools. The bottom slope is fairly constant at 0.00031
for this reach of channel. Its cross-section over this reach can be approximated
as a trapezoid with a bottom width of 6 feet and side slopes of horiz:vert = 3:1.
Find the range of flow rates that could be expected for this reach of channel for a
3.75 ft depth of flow, based on the maximum and minimum values of the
Manning roughness coefficient from Table 3.

Solution: From the information given in the problem statement, b = 6 ft, y =

3.75 ft, z = 3, and S = 0.00031. From Table 3 (for the channel description
given in the problem statement), nmin = 0.033 and nmax = 0.045.

From the equations for A, P, & Rh for a trapezoidal open channel:

Rh = [(6)(3.75) + 3(3.752)]/[6 + (2)(3.75)(1 + 32)1/2 ] = 2.177 ft

A = (6)(3.75) + 3(3.752) = 64.69 ft2

Substituting values into the Manning Equation [Q = (1.49/n)A(Rh2/3)S1/2] gives

the following results:
For nmin (0.033): Qmax = (1.49/0.033)(64.69)(2.1772/3)(0.00031)1/2

Qmax = 86.4 ft3/sec

For nmax (0.045): Qmin = (1.49/0.045)(64.69)(2.1772/3)(0.00031)1/2

Qmin = 63.3 ft3/sec

9. Summary

Open channel flow, which has a free liquid surface at atmospheric pressure,
occurs in a variety of natural and man-made settings. Open channel flow may
be classified as i) laminar or turbulent, ii) steady state or unsteady state, iii)
critical, subcritical, or supercritical, and iv) uniform or nonuniform flow. Many
practical cases of open channel flow can be treated as turbulent, steady state,
uniform flow. Several open channel flow parameters are related through the
empirical Manning Equation, for turbulent, uniform open channel flow (Q =
(1.49/n)A(Rh2/3)S1/2). The use of the Manning equation for uniform open
channel flow calculations and for the calculation of parameters in the equation,
such as cross-sectional area and hydraulic radius, are illustrated in this course
through worked examples for manmade channels and for natural channels.

10. References and Websites

1. Munson, B. R., Young, D. F., & Okiishi, T. H., Fundamentals of Fluid

Mechanics, 4th Ed., New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc, 2002.

2. Steel, E.W. & McGhee, T.J., Water Supply and Sewerage, 5th Ed., New York,
McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1979.
3. Camp, T.R., “Design of Sewers to Facilitate Flow,” Sewage Works Journal,
18 (3), 1946.

4. Cowan, W.L., "Estimating Hydraulic Roughness Coefficients," Agricultural

Engineering, Vol. 37: 473-475, 1956.

5. McCuen, R.H., Hydrologic Analysis and Design, 2nd Ed., Prentice Hall,
Upper Saddle River, NJ, 1998.

6. Bengtson, H.H., “Partially Full Pipe flow Calculations with Excel

Spreadsheets,” an online article at www.engineeringexcelspreadsheets.com.

7. Bengtson, H.H., “The Manning Equation for Open Channel Flow

Calculations”, available as a paperback and as an Amazon Kindle e-book.

Websites:

1. Indiana Department of Transportation Design Manual, available on the

internet at: http://www.in.gov/dot/div/contracts/standards/dm/2011/index.html

2. Illinois Department of Transportation Drainage Manual, available on the

internet at: http://dot.state.il.us/bridges/brmanuals.html

3. Low Cost Easy to Use Excel Spreadsheets for Engineering Calculations, at

www.engineeringexceltemplates.com.