Question

Explain how hydraulic jumps can be utilized in hydraulic structures. Choose an example and be specific.

Answer 1

Hydraulic jump- Hydraulic jump is defined as the rise of water level that takes place due to transformation of super critical flow(unstable flow) to subcritical flow(stable flow).

To understand subcritical and supercritical flow , we have to understand what is Froud number. It is defined as ratio of square root of viscous force to gravitational force.

If Froude number is less than 1, then it is subcritical and if Froude number is greater than 1, then it is supercritical flow.

Utilization- Hydraulic jump has a lot of energy which act as a energy dissipator.

Hydraulic jump also produces disturbances in the flow such as eddies formation, reverse flow, etc.

Now how hydraulic jump can be utilized to the structure which are following-

1. Hydraulic jump can be used to dissipate energy because it has a lot of energy which can cause damages to the structure. So it helps to save structure from damages.
2. Hydraulic jump can also be uses for mixing chemicals in water for purification of water.
3. To remove air from water hydraulic jump can play a vital role.

Example- Spillways- spillway is used to control releasing of water , when water flowing from spillway then it falls from a considerable height which cause hydraulic jump.