The history of the development of the open channel flow resistance equations is reviewed. A detailed discussion of Philippe-Gaspard Gauckler's contribution to the development of an open channel flow resistance equation is contrasted with the subsequent development of a similar equation by Robert Manning. Both men were practicing professional engineers and were desirous of a means of easily calculating the average stream velocity as a function of channel geometry, slope, and channel boundary characteristics. As practicing engineers, both were still conscious of the basic fundamental principle of fluid mechanics that today is called uniform steady flow. Both used the same data from Darcy and Bazin and arrived at a similar equation without the knowledge of each other's separate development. Consequently, recognition should be afforded to Philippe-Gaspard Gauckler by referring to the well known and popular open channel flow resistance equation known today as Manning's equation as the Gauckler-Manning's equation.
展开▼
