Omission of Critical Reynolds Number for Open Channel Flows in Many Textbooks

Authors:
  • S1Scott A. Lowe, P.E., M.ASCE11Associate Professor, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY 10471; Senior Project Manager, Lawler, Matusky & Skelly Engineers, LLP, Pearl River, NY 10965.
    Scott A. Lowe, P.E., M.ASCE11Associate Professor, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY 10471; Senior Project Manager, Lawler, Matusky & Skelly Engineers, LLP, Pearl River, NY 10965.
  • MPM.Asce P.E.
    M.Asce P.E.
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Abstract
During the analysis of an open channel flow experiment, students were asked to determine whether the flow was laminar or turbulent. The array of answers highlighted the different information carried in fluid mechanics textbooks. It was noted that approximately 50% of the books did not mention the fact that the critical Reynolds number would be different in open channels as compared to circular pipes flowing full.