Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For Students · Open-Channel Flow

Open-Channel Flow for a balcony railing

Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a balcony railing live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Open-Channel Flow (Manning)Live

rivers, canals & storm drains

Controls

Presets

Channel width b (m)

Water depth y (m)

Bed slope S

Manning's n

Manning’s equation predicts flow in an open channel: V = (1/n)·R^⅔·√S, where R is the hydraulic radius and n the roughness. The Froude number tells you whether flow is tranquil (Fr < 1) or rapid. Educational tool.

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Data Inspector

Velocity1.73 m/s

Flow rate Q5.19 m³/s

Hydraulic radius0.600 m

Froude number0.55

Governing equation

Q = \frac{1}{n} A R^{2/3} S^{1/2} = \frac{1}{0.013} \times 3.00 \times 0.60 0^{2/3} \times 0.00 1^{1/2} = 5.19 m^{3} / s

Reading this result: Froude number 0.55 is below 1: the flow is subcritical (deep, slow, tranquil), so disturbances can travel upstream and downstream depth controls the flow.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for students?: Yes — this version of "Open-Channel Flow for a balcony railing" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.