EXPERIMENT-3 FLOW OVER NOTCHES

OBJECTIVE: - To investigate discharge head characteristics of rectangular notch and

triangular notch.
THEORY: - Notches are used for monitoring discharge in small flumes. A notch may be
defined as an opening provided in the side of tank or vessel such that the liquid surface in
tank is below the top edge of opening. Notches can be of different shapes such as triangular,
rectangular, trapezoidal, stepped notch, etc. the bottom of the notch over which the water
flows is known as crest or sill and the thin sheet of water flowing through the notch is known
as nappe or vein. The edges of the notch are bevelled on the downstream side so as to have a
sharp-edged sides and crest resulting in minimum contact with the flowing fluid.
The discharge over notch is measured by measuring the head acting over the notch. As
water approaches the notch, its surface becomes curved. Therefore, the head over the notch
is to be measured at the upstream of the notch where the effect of curvature is minimum.
Also, it should be close to the notch so that the loss of energy between head measuring section
and notch is negligible. In practical, the head over notch is measured at a distance of 3 to 4
times the maximum head from the notch
APPARATUS: - The apparatus consists of a supply tank and a delivery tank connected to a
flume/channel of rectangular cross-section. One end of the flume is attached to a rectangular
notch/triangular notch. At the end of the flume is a collection tank which is used for measuring
the actual discharge through the flume. The apparatus also has a graduated pointer gauge
which is used for measuring the level at the crest/sill of notch and the final level of water
surface over the crest of the notch.

Fig.1 Notch Experimental Apparatus

In certain equipment a stilling basin or a stilling baffle is provided so as to reduce the

turbulence in the flow and thereby making the water surface smooth and uniform. This helps
in improving the accuracy of head measurement and hence the discharge calculated.
 EXPERIMENT-3 FLOW OVER NOTCHES

ASSUMPTIONS IN NOTCH FLOW ANALYSIS: -

• Velocity Head is ignored.

• Neglecting the flow beneath the section X-X
• The equations for theoretical discharge through notches are derived using the concept
of flow through orifice. This assumption is actually not correct due to the fact that the
velocity through an orifice is given by √2𝑔ℎ which becomes zero at the free surface.
This assumption holds good for a static fluid where as in case of an open channel flow
this is incorrect and the velocity is not zero. The errors associated with each of these
assumptions is taken care by the coefficient of discharge term.

DERIVATION: -

CASE 1: RECTANGULAR NOTCH

Consider a rectangular notch as shown in the figure below. Let the total head of water
above the crest of the notch (X-X Section) be h. Now consider an elemental strip of height dy
within the water depth above the notch. Let y be the depth of total head above this elemental
strip.

Fig.2 Flow over a Rectangular Notch

Assuming that the velocity of flow at the strip to be √2𝑔ℎ , it can be written that
dq = v x B x dy
= √2𝑔ℎ (𝑑𝑦 ∗ 𝐵)
𝑣2
= √2𝑔(𝑦 + ) 𝑑𝑦 ∗ 𝐵
2𝑔
Integrating between the limits 0 to h we get,
ℎ 𝑣2
Q = ∫0 √2𝑔(𝑦 + ) 𝑑𝑦 ∗ 𝐵
2𝑔
Simplifying in terms of y and changing the limits suitably, We get:
𝑣2
ℎ+
2𝑔
Q = ∫𝑣2 √2𝑔(𝑦) 𝑑𝑦 ∗ 𝐵
2𝑔
2 𝑣 2 3⁄ 𝑣 2 3⁄
= √2𝑔𝐵 {(ℎ + ) 2 −( ) 2}
3 2𝑔 2𝑔
Neglcting the velocity head we get
2 3
Q = 𝐶𝐷 √2𝑔𝐵 {(ℎ) ⁄2 }
3
 EXPERIMENT-3 FLOW OVER NOTCHES

CASE 2: TRIANGULAR NOTCH

Consider a triangular notch as shown in the figure below. Let the total head of water
above the crest of the notch (X-X Section) be h. Now consider an elemental strip of height dy
within the water depth above the notch.

Fig.3. Triangular Notch

Let y be the depth of head below the elemental strip from the crest of the notch (A in fig.).
𝑣2
Assuming that the velocity of flow at the strip to be √2𝑔(ℎ + − 𝑦) , it can be written that
2𝑔

dq = v x B x dy
The width of flow at the elemental strip section is given as:
B= 2y 𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜃⁄2)
Substituting for B, we get
dq = 𝑣 ∗ 2𝑦 ∗ 𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜃⁄2)𝑑𝑦
𝑣2
= √2𝑔(ℎ + − 𝑦) 2𝑦 ∗ 𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜃⁄2) 𝑑𝑦
2𝑔
Now the total discharge can be found by integrating this between the limits 0 to h.
In order to simplify the integration we can also be considered as the total head above the
elemental strip. Here the width at the elemental strip is given as:
𝑣2
B = 2 (ℎ + − 𝑦)𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜃⁄2)
2𝑔
and the velocity is given as 𝑣 = √2𝑔𝑦 . Therefore,
𝑣2
dq = √2𝑔𝑦 2(ℎ + − 𝑦)𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜃⁄2) 𝑑𝑦
2𝑔
Now, neglecting the velocity head and integrating between the limits 0 to h, we get:
ℎ
Q = ∫0 √2𝑔𝑦 2(ℎ − 𝑦)𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜃⁄2) 𝑑𝑦
Simplifying in terms of y and changing the limits suitably, We get:
ℎ
Q = 2 ∗ √2𝑔𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜃⁄2) ∫0 √(𝑦) (ℎ − 𝑦)𝑑𝑦
2 3 2 5
= 2 ∗ √2𝑔𝑡𝑎𝑛(𝜃⁄2) {(ℎ ∗ (𝑦) ⁄2 ) − 𝑦 ⁄2 } ℎ0
3 5
Simplifying, We get:
8 5
Q = 𝐶𝐷 √2𝑔 {(ℎ) ⁄2 }
15
 EXPERIMENT-3 FLOW OVER NOTCHES

TYPES OF NOTCHES: -
SL. TYPE OF
DIAGRAM DISCHARGE/FLOWRATE THEORY
NO NOTCH
It takes its name from the shape of its
notch. The discharge through a weir or
notch is directly related to the water
depth or head (H). This head is
𝟐 𝟑
1 Rectangular 𝑸= 𝑪 𝑳√𝟐𝒈𝑯 ⁄𝟐 affected by the condition of the crest,
𝟑 𝒅
the contraction, the velocity of
approaching stream and the elevation
of the water surface downstream from
the weir.
In this case, the notch is "V" in shape.
Depth of water above the bottom of the V
𝟖 is called head (H). The V-notch design
𝟓
2 Triangular 𝑸= 𝑪 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜽√𝟐𝒈𝑯 ⁄𝟐 causes small changes in discharge hence
𝟏𝟓 𝒅 causing a large change in depth and thus
allowing more accurate measurement than
with a rectangular notch.

𝑸 The Cipolletti notch is trapezoidal in

𝟐 𝟑 shape. The slope of the sides, inclined
3 Trapezoidal = 𝑪𝒅 𝑳√𝟐𝒈𝑯 ⁄𝟐
𝟑 outwardly from the crest and should be
𝟖 𝟓 one horizontal to four verticals
+ 𝑪 𝒕𝒂𝒏𝜽√𝟐𝒈𝑯 ⁄𝟐
𝟏𝟓 𝒅
𝟐 ⁄
𝑸𝟏 = 𝑪𝒅 𝑳𝟏 √𝟐𝒈𝑯𝟏𝟑 𝟐
𝟑
𝟐 ⁄
𝑸𝟐 = 𝑪𝒅 𝑳𝟏 √𝟐𝒈 (𝑯𝟐𝟑 𝟐 A stepped notch is a combination of
𝟑 rectangular notches as shown in figure. It
⁄
− 𝑯𝟑𝟏 𝟐 ) is thus obvious that the discharge over
4 Stepped 𝟐 such a notch will be the sum of the
⁄
𝑸𝟑 = 𝑪𝒅 𝑳𝟏 √𝟐𝒈 (𝑯𝟑𝟑 𝟐 discharges over the different rectangular
𝟑
⁄ notches
− 𝑯𝟐𝟑 𝟐 )
Q=𝑸𝟏 + 𝑸𝟐 + 𝑸𝟑

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOTCHES AND WEIRS: -

NOTCH
A notch may be defined as an
opening provided in the side of tank
or vessel such that the liquid surface
in tank is below the top edge of
opening.
Small structure
Made of metallic plates.
Measure small flow rate.
WEIR
A weir may be defined as any
regular obstruction in open stream
over which the flow takes place.
Large structure
Made of concrete/bricks.
Measure large flow rat
 EXPERIMENT-3 FLOW OVER NOTCHES

PROCEDURE: -
• Ensure that the hydraulics bench is positioned so that its surface is horizontal. This is
necessary because the flow over the notch is driven by gravity.
• Mount the rectangular notch plate onto the flow channel, and position the stilling baffle
as shown in Figure 1.
• Turn on the pump, and slightly adjust the flow control to fill the channel upstream of
the weir with water.
• Turn off the pump when the water starts to flow over the weir.
• Wait a few minutes to allow the water to settle.
• Level the point gauge with the water level in the channel. Record the reading as ho. To
measure the datum height of the base of the notch (ho), position the instrument carrier
appropriately. Then carefully lower the gauge until the point is just above the notch
base, and lock the coarse adjustment screw. Then, using the fine adjustment, adjust the
gauge until the point just touches the water surface and take a reading.
• Increase the rate of flow by using the adjustment valve slightly and allow the flow to
pass. Switch off the pump and wait for the flow to get stabilized.
• Adjust the point gauge to read the level of new water surface.
• Record the reading as h. Check that the level has stabilized before taking readings.
• It is to be noted that the surface of the water will fall as it approaches the notch. This
is particularly noticeable at high flow rates by high heads. To obtain an accurate
measurement of the undisturbed water level above the crest of the notch, it is necessary
to place the measuring gauge at a distance of at least three times the head above the
notch.
• Measure the actual flow rate using the volumetric tank.
• Turn on the pump to slightly adjust the flow and by means of the bench regulating
valve set a different head above the datum level measure the new water surface level
as mentioned in the above steps. Take care not to allow spillage to occur over the plate
top that is adjacent to the notch. At each condition, measure the flow rate and observe
the shape of the nappe.
• Close the regulating valve, stop the pump, and then replace the weir with the V-notch.
• Repeat the experiment with the V-notch.
• Collect seven head and discharge readings for each notch.
• Tabulate the results.
 EXPERIMENT-3 FLOW OVER NOTCHES

OBSERVATIONS: -
a) Rectangular Notch: -

Specifications: -

Size of collecting Tank : 40cm x 50cm

Area of Collecting Tank : 2000 cm2
Depth of water collected : 7 cm
in the Collecting Tank

b) Discharge and Head Calculations: -

LEVEL IN
POINT POINT
COLLECTION TANK 𝟑𝑸
Sl. TIME AREA DISCHARGE GAUGE GAUGE H B 𝑪𝑫 = 𝟑⁄
No. INITIAL FINAL (sec) (cm2) (cm3)/sec INITIAL FINAL (cm) (cm) 𝟐𝑳√𝟐𝒈𝑯 𝟐
LEVEL LEVEL (cm) (cm)
(cm) (cm)
1 11 18 38.65 2000 362.225 88.5 89.7 1.2 12 0.77752
2 11 18 25.48 2000 549.451 88.5 90.2 1.7 12 0.69946
3 11 18 24.35 2000 574.948 88.5 90.4 1.9 12 0.61945
4 11 18 19.35 2000 723.514 88.5 90.6 2.1 12 0.67085
 EXPERIMENT-3 FLOW OVER NOTCHES

LAB QUESTIONS
1. Define Notch?
A notch is a kind of opening (throughout the width) to the fluid flow, in which fluid
flows through the bottom of notch. It is used to regulate the flow of fluid. The bottom end of
the notch is generally made sharp so that it offers minimum resistance to the fluid flow
(generally water). A notch is generally made up of a metal plate and is used to regulate fluid
flow at a small scale.
2. Compare the experimental results with theory?
For rectangular notch, Cd values at lower flow rates were in quite wide variations. This
was because the difference of values of height was in wide range. The values of Cd for
rectangular notch at lower flow rates were in quite wide variations because the difference of
values of height was in wide range. From the experimental result, the values of coefficient
discharge calculated increased when the head increased for rectangular notch.
3. What are the limitations of the theory? Why would you expect wider variation of Cd
values at low flow rates?
Limitations of Theory:
• Velocity Head is ignored in the analysis.
• The flow occurring beneath the weir/notch crest is ignored.
• The assumption of analogy with the flow through an orifice is also not valid.
4. What are the advantages of v notch over rectangular notch?
Triangular notch

A triangular notch is also called a V-notch.

where

• H = Height of the liquid above the apex of the notch

• θ = Angle of the notch
• Cd = Coefficient of discharge
Rectangular notch
 EXPERIMENT-3 FLOW OVER NOTCHES

where

• H = Height of water above sill of notch

• b = Width or length of the notch
• Cd = Coefficient of discharge
5. Why v notch gives more accurate result than rectangular notch?
A triangular notch gives more accurate results for low discharges than rectangular notch
and the same triangular notch can measure a wide range of flows accurately.

6. Make some critical assessment of the apparatus discussing any problems

encountered.
• Lack of stilling basing results in a wavy water surface. This makes the measurement
of water surface level difficult and erroneous
• The apparatus has mild leakages at certain locations which also makes the discharge
calculations erroneous
7. What are likely sources of error and of what magnitudes are these errors?
• Lack of stilling basing: Results in a wavy water surface. This makes the measurement
of water surface level difficult and erroneous.
• Mild leakages at certain locations which also makes the discharge calculations
erroneous.
• Assumptions made in theoretical analysis.: The assumption of analogy between flow
through notches and flow through an orifice.