Critical Flow Depth Calculator

The critical flow depth, also known as critical depth, is a significant concept in open-channel hydraulics, particularly in uniform flow conditions. It represents the depth of flow at which the specific energy of the flow is at a minimum for a given discharge. At this critical depth, the flow velocity is such that the Froude number () equals 1. The critical flow depth () can be calculated using the following formula for rectangular channels:

Where:

  • is the critical flow depth,
  • is the discharge,
  • is the acceleration due to gravity,
  • is the cross-sectional area of flow.

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