Flow Over Weir

Theory

The notch is similar to that observed at a sharp-edged orifice and has the same effect of
reducing the discharge rate. A notch may be defined as an opening in one side of a tank or a
reservoir, like a large orifice, with the upstream liquid level below the top edge of the
opening. A notch is usually made of a metallic plate and is used to measure the discharge of
liquids.

V notch weir is 'v notch' in a plate that is paced, so that is placed so that it obstructs an open
channel flow, causing the water to flow over the v notch. It is used to meter water flow in the
channel by measuring the head of water over the v notch crest.

The rectangular notch weir is a common device used to regulate and measure the discharge in
irrigation projects. The results obtained from this research indicate the relationship between
the discharge coefficient and the upstream water depth is a power function.

A trapezoidal notch is a combination of a rectangular notch and two triangular notches, as

shown in the figure. It is thus obvious that the discharge over such a notch will be the sum of
discharge over the rectangular and triangular notch.

Laminar flow type of fluid (gas or liquid) flow in which the fluid travels smoothly or in
regular paths, in contrast to turbulent flow, in which the fluid undergoes irregular fluctuations
or mixing, in contrast to laminar flow, in which the fluid moves in smooth paths or layers. In
turbulent flow, the speed of the fluid at a point is continuously changing in both magnitude
and direction.

Cross sectional area = BD

Wetted perimeter = B + 2D

Hydraulic mean depth = BD/ (B+2D)

The criterion for the type of flow in channel will be:

Laminar flow : ρv (4m) /μ < 2000

Turbulent : ρv (4m) / μ > 2000

For a pipe diameter running full, A = (π\4) d 2 and P= πd so that m = d/4. Replacing m by d/4
in Reynolds number, the above will get. The continuity momentum and energy equations can
be applied to channel flow as well as for pipe flow.

Q=B1 d 1 v 1=B2 d2 v 2

Where v1 and v 2are the mean velocities at the two sections for wide channels approximately
rectangular section it is sometimes convenient to consider to flow per unit width, q:

Q
q 1= =v 1 d 1∧¿
B1

Q
q 2= =v 2 d 2
B2

In travelling from section 1 to section 2, there will be a change of momentum per second of
the liquid corresponding to the change of velocity: Rate of change of momentum = mass per
second X change of velocity = ρQ( v 2−v 1 ¿.

This change is produced by the difference in the hydrostatic forces in sections 1 and 2.

Force in the direction of motion at section 1 = ρg A1 × 1

For opposing motion at section 2 = ρg A2 × 2

Where X1 and X2 are the depth from the free surface to the centroids of the crosssections. By
using Newton's second law:

Force = rate of change of momentum.

𝜌 g ( A1 × 1 − A2 × 2 ) = ρQ (V 2−V 1 )

¿ × 1) – ( A2 × 2) = Q ( v 2−v 1 )/ g

Bernoulli's equation with a term for loss of energy can be used in the steady flow energy
equation since the fluid flowing in the channel can be assumed to be incompressible.
Considering conditions at a point on any streamline at depth x below the free surface.
Total energy per unit weight, H = (P / ρg) + v2 ∕ 2 g+ (d − x)

Now P is the hydrostatic pressure at depth s below the free surface; therefore, P/ρg=

x and total energy at any point per unit weight, H = d +( v2 ∕ 2g)

Applying Bernoulli's equation to sections 1 and section 2, including the head loss, h:

d 1 + ( v 1 /2 g ) =d + ( v +2 g ) +h
2 2 2

A V-shaped notch in a thin vertical plate perpendicular to the sides and bottom of a straight
channel is defined as a V-notch sharp-crested weir. The line that bisects the notch angle
should be upright and the same distance from both sides of the channel. The V notch sharp-
crested weir is one of the most precise discharge measuring devices suitable for a wide range
of low. The V-notch sharp-crested weir is frequently referred to as the "Thompson Weir" in
international literature. The basic head discharge equation for the V-notch weir is:

Qt =C e ( 85 )× (√2 g) × [ tan θ2 ] × ( √ h
1
5
)

Where,

Qt= theoretical flow rate

𝐶 = coefficient of discharge

θ = degree of V-notch (90˚)

ℎ1 = elevation head

g = 9.81 m/s²
Figure 3.1: V-notch weir
 Figure 3.2: Coefficient of discharge Ce as a function of notch angle for fully contracted V-
notch.

The basic head discharge equation for a rectangular notch weir is:

Qt =C e ( 23 ) × ( √2 g) ×b × ( √ h 1
3
)

Where,

Q1 = theoretical flow rate

Ce= coefficient of discharge

ℎ1 = elevation head

g = 9.81 m/s²

b = breadth of weir (60 mm)

B1 = bench width (230 mm)

 Figure 3.3: Rectangular notch weir

Table 3.1: Values for Ce as a function of ratios bc ∕ Bt

Equipment

1. Weir apparatus with hydraulic bench

2. Stopwatch
 Figure 4.1: Weir apparatus with hydraulic bench

Legend:

A: Filter slot

B: 90˚ opening V-notch weir

C: Rectangular weir plate

D: Weir test section

E: 30˚ opening V-notch weir

F: Cap screw

G: Hydraulic bench

H: Point gauge with scale

Specification of weirs:

Figure 4.2: Dimension of

rectangular notch weir

Figure 4.3: Dimension of V-notch 30˚C opening

Figure 4.4: Dimension of V-notch 90˚ opening
Procedures

1. The three sump tank was filled with water up to ¾ height.

2. Before starting the experiment, opened all valves.

3. Switched on the main switch placed on the control box.

4. Switched on the pump. The desired flow was regulated without placing any weirs.

5. Slowly placed the weir that needs to be tested into the test section and secured it
with the provided screw.

6. Allowed 2 minutes for the water to pass through the weir before measuring the
height with a point gauge.

7. The results were tabulated in the table.

8. The experiment was repeated with other weirs.

9. Then, compared all results from the experiment.