Lined canal with circular invert and straight flanks: If the straight sides of a lined canal meet a circular bottom (invert) of radius R and make an angle θ with the horizontal, the cross-sectional area A equals

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: R^2(θ + tan θ)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Several lined canal sections use a circular invert to reduce seepage and erosion, with straight side slopes meeting tangentially. A compact formula for area is useful in hydraulic computations (discharge, velocity, and slope checks).


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Bottom is a circular arc of radius R.
  • Straight sides meet the invert, making angle θ with the horizontal.
  • Geometry forms a circular segment plus two triangular side portions expressed via θ.


Concept / Approach:
Area is the sum of the circular segment area and the areas bounded by straight flanks up to intersection levels. For the common proportion used in design charts, the closed-form expression simplifies to A = R^2(θ + tan θ) (θ in radians).


Step-by-Step Solution:
Express segment area in terms of R and θ.Express triangular contributions using slope angle θ.Combine to yield A = R^2(θ + tan θ).


Verification / Alternative check:
Dimensional check: R^2 multiplies a dimensionless bracket, giving area units. For small θ, tan θ ≈ θ and area behaves as ~R^2(2θ), consistent with a narrow section.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • R(θ + …): Wrong dimensions.
  • cot θ variants: Do not match this standard geometry.
  • Duplicate option with R(θ + tan θ) is dimensionally incorrect.


Common Pitfalls:
Using degrees instead of radians in computation; mixing geometric relations of circular segment with trapezoidal assumptions.


Final Answer:
R^2(θ + tan θ)

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