A hydraulic jump occurs when fast-moving fluid transitions to slow fluid motion, causing a sudden surge of energy followed by a drop. They are common in bodies of water with open channel flow and can be predicted using equations. They can be useful for reducing pressure at transition points but can also cause damage to structures and hinder fish passage. Jumps are caused by man-made or natural blockages and friction in the water flow conduit.
A hydraulic jump is an accident in which fast-moving fluid suddenly jumps into the air. It does this in the transition from fast to slow fluid motion. In technical terms, it is when the movement of the water changes from supercritical to subcritical, i.e. when something with a high level of critical mass meets a lower critical mass. A hydraulic jump often occurs if there is something downstream preventing the water from flowing.
It is common to find hydraulic jumps in bodies of water with open channel flow. This is a condition where the fluid flows down a conduit with enough open air so that gravity can act on the water flow. Jumps don’t tend to be in pipe flow or restricted areas of water flow because there isn’t enough open air to create the conditions for them.
A hydraulic jump can be in motion or standing. The choppy variety is typically found in fast-moving bodies of water such as rivers. Standing hydraulic jumps are common in still or nearly still water, such as in lakes. When in motion, it’s simply called a hydraulic jump, while the standing version is called a transition hydraulic jump.
When there is a hydraulic jump, the depth of the water changes rapidly. To compensate for this change, the turbulence in the water will increase. It is essentially a sudden surge of energy, followed by a dramatic drop.
The equations can be used to predict a hydraulic jump. These can be useful in situations where a jump is desirable. For example, an engineer can use a jump to reduce pressure at a transition point for water, thereby reducing damage to reservoirs and other structures used to drive water movement.
There are also conditions where hydraulic jumps can cause damage. These include areas where soil erosion needs to be avoided. They can also hinder the fish’s progress, from blocking passage to causing death.
The impediments that lead to a hydraulic jump vary widely in composition and creation. Man-made blockages can include bridges, dams, or other physical barriers such as concrete structures or blocks intended to change the flow of water. They can also be caused by natural events such as a change in the width of a duct caused by erosion or other similar events. A jump can also be caused by friction in the water flow conduit.
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