Also known as the Mark–Manning formula, the Gauckler–Manning formula, or the Gauckler–Manning–Strickler formula, this is an empirical formula estimating open channel flow, or free-surface flow driven by gravity:
where
V is the cross-sectional average velocity (L/T; ft/s, m/s);
k is a conversion factor of (Length
1/3/Time), 1 m
1/3/s for SI, or 1.4859 ft
1/3/s U.S. customary units, if required. (Note: (1 m)
1/3/s = (3.2808399 ft)
1/3/s = 1.4859 ft
1/3/s);
n is the
Manning coefficient, and is unitless;
Rh is the hydraulic radius (L; ft, m); and
S is the slope of the water surface or the linear hydraulic head loss (L/L) (
S =
hf/
L).