Fundamentals of Hydraulic Engineering Systems, 5th edition

Published by Pearson (January 14, 2016) © 2017

  • Robert J. Houghtalen
  • A Osman Akan
  • Ned H. C. Hwang
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For courses in hydraulics and hydrology.

Understanding Hydraulics: The Design, Analysis, and Engineering of Hydraulic Systems

Fundamentals of Hydraulic Engineering Systemsbridges the gap between fundamental principles and the techniques applied to the analysis and design of hydraulic engineering systems. The book builds problem solving skills in students and practicing engineers by presenting efficient and effective design procedures, appropriate equations, tables and graphs, and applicable computer software.


The first half of the Fifth Edition discusses the fundamentals of fluid statics, dynamics, and flow, giving students practical insight into the analysis and design of pipelines, pipe networks, pumps, and open channels. The latter half covers the design of supplemental hydraulic systems, covering some of the most common hydraulic structures such as wells, dams, spillways, culverts, and stilling basins. The book ends with four ancillary topics: water measurement, model studies, hydrology for hydraulic design, and statistical methods in hydrology, as well as common techniques for obtaining hydraulic design flows.

A solutions manual, a test manual (for convenient student assessment or supplemental homework problems), and PowerPoint slides for most chapters (with active learning exercises in the classroom) are also available. 

  1. Fundamental Properties of Water
  2. Water Pressure and Pressure Forces
  3. Water Flow in Pipes
  4. Pipelines and Pipe Networks
  5. Water Pumps
  6. Water Flow in Open Channels
  7. Ground Water Hydraulics
  8. Hydraulic Structures
  9. Water Pressure, Velocity, and Discharge Methods
  10. Hydraulic Similitude and Model Studies
  11. Hydrology for Hydraulic Design
  12. Statistical Methods in Hydrology

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