Types Of Open Channel | Classification Of Open Channel

Before classification , First of all we should know that What is Open Channel ?
Open Channel : An open channel is a type of channel in which water flows with a free surface. The free surface is subjected to atmospheric pressure.

Classification Of Open Channel :
The classification of open channels is made based on different criteria as follows.

1. Classification Of Open Channel Based On Occurrence : Based on occurrence open channel has two types as below-

• Natural Channel
• Artificial/Men Made Channel 

Natural Channel : A Channel which made by nature is call as natural channel.

Example - River

Artificial Channel : A channel which made by Men power is call as artificial channel.

Example - Canal

2. Classification Of Open Channel Based On Shape : Based on Shape open channel has different types as below -

• Rectangular channel
• Triangular Channel
• Trapezoidal Channel
• Circular Channel

Rectangular Channel : A channel which is rectangular in shape is called rectangular channel.

Triangular Channel : A channel which is triangular in shape is called triangular channel.

Trapezoidal Channel : A channel which is trapezoidal in shape is called trapezoidal channel.

Circular Channel : A channel which is circular in shape is called circular channel.

3. Classification Of Open Channel Based On Change In Slope & Cross Section : Based on Change In Slope & Cross Section open channel has two types as below -

• Prismatic Channel
• Non-Prismatic Channel

Prismatic Channel : In this type of channel slope & cross section both do not change.

Non-Prismatic Channel : In this type of channel Both ( slope & cross section ) or one parameter ( slope/cross section ) change.

4. Classification Of Open Channel Based On Boundary : Based on Boundary open channel has two types as below -

• Rigid Channel
• Mobile Channel

Rigid channel : In this type of channel boundary of channel do not change.

Example - Lined Channel

Mobile Channel : In this type of channel boundary of channel will change.

Example - River , Unlined Channel.

5. Classification Of Open Channel Based On Slope : Based on Slope open channel has two types as below -

• Small slope Channel
• Large Slope Channel

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