Segment V10.5: Hydraulic Jump in a River

(Related to Textbook Section 10.6.1 - The Hydraulic Jump)

If the liquid velocity in an open channel is fast enough and depth shallow enough, a hydraulic jump (a step-like increase in liquid depth) may occur. For this to happen, the Froude number must be greater than one. The flow must be supercritical.

Shown here is the flow exiting from under a dam. The Froude number of the flow is greater than one, and a large hydraulic jump occurs. Significant energy is dissipated within the turbulent, agitated flow across the hydraulic jump.