Hydraulic Jump Momentum Conservation

Civil Engineering

How It Works

A hydraulic jump is a sudden, highly turbulent transition in open channel flow where rapid supercritical flow (Froude number Fr₁ > 1) abruptly converts to deep subcritical flow (Fr₂ < 1). Strong shear along the roller dissipates substantial mechanical energy into turbulent kinetic energy and heat. Conjugate flow depths are governed strictly by the momentum conservation equation rather than energy conservation.

Governing Equation
y₂ / y₁ = (1/2) · (√(1 + 8 · Fr₁²) - 1)  |  ΔE = (y₂ - y₁)³ / (4 · y₁ · y₂)