Calculate the conjugate depth and energy loss in an open channel hydraulic jump.
Upstream Parameters
m
m/s
Jump Characteristics
Enter upstream depth and velocity
About this calculator
Quick Reference
Fr1Upstream Froude Number
y1Upstream Depth
y2Downstream (Conjugate) Depth
ΔEEnergy Head Loss
Overview
A hydraulic jump occurs when a high-velocity, supercritical flow (Froude number > 1) transitions abruptly to a subcritical, lower-velocity flow. This results in a sudden rise in water surface and significant energy dissipation.
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Pro Tips
The Froude number (Fr) must be greater than 1.0 for a jump to occur.
y₁ is the depth before the jump; y₂ is the 'conjugate' or 'sequant' depth after the jump.
Hydraulic jumps are used in spillway design to dissipate kinetic energy and prevent erosion.
The energy loss (ΔE) is usually dissipated in the form of turbulence and heat.
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Fun Facts
"The 'hydraulic jump' is an example of a shock wave in fluid dynamics."
"You can see small hydraulic jumps in your kitchen sink when the water stream hits the flat bottom."
"Tidal bores are essentially traveling hydraulic jumps that move up a river estuary."
