Contributions to the Question of a Velocity Formula and Roughness Data for Streams, Channels and Closed Pipelines

Abstract

This widely referenced, but seldom seen report is of both historic and engineering interest. While much of the work presented has since been eclipsed by more recent work, the velocity equation for open channels (Eq. 37) is still in use. It is interesting to learn how this equation came into being, particularly in light of the fact that it predates the well known von Karman-Prandtl logarithmic velocity distribution equation. Also of interest, is the plethora of velocity equations for open channels and pipes, which existed over sixty years ago (particularly when one considers that the search for a satisfactory equation continues to this day). A final benefit of this translation is that the extensive tabulations of data have been preserved for a new constituency. Every attempt has been made to translate as literally as possible, to preserve the flavor of the original report. Therefore, certain phrases may seem somewhat awkward. A few archaic German idioms required a somewhat looser translation. The data in Tables 1 through 14 have been reproduced directly from the original report, with the substitution of captions in English. Therefore, the data entries contain commas which should be replaced by decimal points to convert to the North American convention. The preparation of this translation was supported by the National Science Foundation, under Grant CME 79-20311. Special thanks to Joan Mathews and Melinda Hendrix-Werts for their excellent typing and to Theresa Fall, for preparation of the tables and figures.

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