Hydraulics - Engineering

Q1:

Most economical section of a triangular channel, is

A equilateral triangle

B right angled triangle

C isosceles triangle with 45° vertex angle

D right angled triangle with equal sides.

ANS:D - right angled triangle with equal sides.

The most economical section of a triangular channel is typically the isosceles triangle with a 45° vertex angle. In hydraulic engineering, the term "most economical" often refers to the configuration that minimizes construction costs while maintaining hydraulic efficiency. Among the options provided:

  • An equilateral triangle has equal sides and equal angles of 60°, making it less economical due to its larger cross-sectional area.
  • A right-angled triangle may not be the most efficient since the right angle can result in energy losses and increased friction.
  • A right-angled triangle with equal sides would have two 45° angles, but it may not offer the optimal balance of flow capacity and construction costs.
The isosceles triangle with a 45° vertex angle offers a balanced configuration. It provides efficient flow characteristics while minimizing construction materials and costs, making it the most economical section for a triangular channel in many practical applications.