The document discusses the direct step method for computing gradually varied flow profiles in open channels. [1] The direct step method determines the location where a specified flow depth occurs given another known depth location, through applying the energy equation between the two sections. [2] It iteratively computes the water surface profile along the channel by varying the trial flow depth in steps between the known upstream and downstream depths. [3] While simple to apply, the direct step method has disadvantages like requiring interpolation for depths at specific locations and being inconvenient for non-prismatic channels.
The document discusses the direct step method for computing gradually varied flow profiles in open channels. [1] The direct step method determines the location where a specified flow depth o…