Discharge Measurements over

rectangular notch
 A notch or a weir is a device for the measurement of discharge in an
open channel.
 It is an obstruction provided in a channel that causes the water to
rise behind it so that the water is made to flow through it or over it.
 Basically there is no difference between a notch and a weir, except
that a notch is of small size while a weir is of large size.
 A notch is usually made of metal plate whereas a weir is made of
masonry or concrete.
 These are used for measuring the flow of water from a vessel or
tank with no pressure flow.
 The bottom edge over which liquid flows is known as Sill or Crest of
the notch.
 The notch which is Rectangular in shape is called as the rectangular
notch and triangular in shape is called triangular notch.
So, we can define notch as a sharp edge obstruction above which
flow of liquid occurs.
 The discharge over notch is measured by measuring the head
acting over the notch crest.
 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.
Source: https://www.vtei.cz/en/2019/12/measurement-of-low-
flow-rates-using-measuring-weir/)

Rectangular weir across a stream

Ventilation of notch

Source: https://fm-nitk.vlabs.ac.in/exp2/index.html
 The nappe emerging out from the notch or weir touches the
side walls of the channel.
 The air below the nappe and the walls gets trapped and
gradually carried along with flowing water
 The pressure between the nappe and wall is then reduced
below atmospheric pressure and eventually negative pressure
is developed in this area.
 Due to the decrease in pressure, the nappe starts to depress.
 The nappe is coming near the wall of the weir/notch and such
type of nappe is called depressed nappe.
 The discharge increases due to low pressure in the
downstream.
 When no air is left in the space, the nappe adheres to the
weir or notch and the nappe is called clinging nappe.
Rectangular notch:
Let,
H = Height of water above sill of notch
b = Width or length of the notch
Cd = Coefficient of discharge
Area of the strip = b.dh
The theoretical velocity of water through the
strip = 2𝑔ℎ
Theoretical discharge through the strip, 𝑑𝑄 =
𝑏. 𝑑ℎ 2𝑔ℎ
So total discharge,
𝐻
𝑄𝑡ℎ = 𝑏. 𝑑ℎ 2𝑔ℎ
0
𝐻
= 𝑏 2𝑔 ℎ1/2 𝑑ℎ
0
2
𝑄𝑡ℎ = 𝑏 2𝑔𝐻3/2
3
𝑄𝑎𝑐𝑡
𝑐𝑑 =
𝑄𝑡ℎ
Laboratory flume
 Knob to adjust the point gauge

Point Gauge
Rectangular notch
Procedure:
Starting Procedure:
1. Clean the apparatus and make all the tanks free from dust.
2. Close the drain valves provided.
3. Close Flow Control Valve given in water line.
4. Open By-Pass Valve.
5. Fix desired Notch on the flow channel.
6. Fill Sump tank ¾ with Clean Water and ensure that no foreign
particles are there.
7. Ensure that all On/Off Switches given on the Panel are at OFF
position.
8. Now switch on the Main Power Supply and Switch on the Pump.
10. Regulate Flow of water through channel with the help of given
Flow Control Valve.
11. Record the height of water level in the channel with the help of
pointer Gauge.
12. Measure Flow Rate using Measuring Tank and Stop Watch.
Video link

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNuI0SCWN0M
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8kDN0E4x-k
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax38XN_XqCU
Observation table:
b= 8 cm
A=Area of the measuring tank=100 cm X 60 cm
Example lab readings:

S. N. Measuring Tank Reading Actual Discharge Head over the

(cm3/s) notch
h2 –h1 A(h2  h1 )
Initial level Final level Time t(s) Qact  H (cm)
t
h1(cm) h2(cm)

1. 5 15 20 7

Example Results
Theoretical discharge, 𝑄𝑡ℎ= cm3/s
Coefficient of discharge,𝑐𝑑=
 For Graph
Plot Log Qactual vs log H
Calculation:
𝑄=𝑘ℎ𝑛
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑄=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑘+𝑛𝑙𝑜𝑔ℎ
𝑦=𝑚𝑥+𝑐
𝑚=𝑛
𝑐=𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑘
 Assignment 1
Q1. Define with figures? a) Free nappe, b) Depressed nappe and
c) Clinging nappe.
Q2. Determine the coefficient of discharge for the given data in
the observation table (sample calculation).
Q3. Derive an expression for the discharge of fluid over a
rectangular notch.