CivE 739

Open Channel Flow


Description

This course provides a comprehensive engineering approach to the principles, analysis, and design of open channel flow systems. Students will explore the fundamental physics governing free-surface flows, developing the theoretical foundation necessary to analyze and solve complex, real-world hydraulic problems.
The curriculum transitions from theoretical mechanics to practical engineering applications, emphasizing the design of sustainable and efficient hydraulic structures. Additionally, students will gain hands-on, industry-relevant experience in computational hydraulics by developing and implementing both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) numerical flow models to simulate diverse flow conditions.

Learning Outcomes

- Describe different open channel flow conditions including uniform flow, gradually varied flow, rapidly varied flow, steady flow, and unsteady flow.
- Analyse theoretical and practical open channel flow problems.
- Apply fundamental knowledge learned in this course to solve practical design problems.
- Describe the governing equations for one- and two-dimensional flow.
- Implement best practices to develop a 1D or 2D open channel flow model.

Lecture Seminar Lab Credits Total AU
3 0/1 0/1 3 37.8
M % NS % CS % ES % ED %

None defined

None defined



Undergraduate Program(s)


Sections & Respective Instructors

B1 - 2026/2027 - Winter - Vincent McFarlane
B1 - 2025/2026 - Winter - Vincent McFarlane
A1 - 2024/2025 - Fall - Vincent McFarlane
B1 - 2022/2023 - Winter - Wenming (William) Zhang
B1 - 2020/2021 - Winter - Wenming (William) Zhang