CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

CC303 HYDRAULICS 1
HYDRAULICS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT H5 : Open Channel Flow
OBJECTIVE : - To Determine Manning's Coefficient, n, for open channel
flow.
Theory:

Uniform flow in a channel is such that the Where,

channel width and depth of water is the same m = mean hydraulic = A/P (m)
at any section along the flow. Hence, the A = cross-sectional area (m2)
velocity, v can be determined by using the P = wetter perimeter (m)
Manning’s equation :- b = base (m)
d = depth of water (m)
v = m 2/3 i 1/2 i = bed slope
n = Manning’s roughness coefficient
n
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Manning’s roughness coefficient, n shows the degree of roughness of a surface channel. Although these
values vary with depth, but it is not so obvious and can be regarded as a constant for the channel of the same
material.
The general features of a channel are thus:

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CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
CC303 HYDRAULICS 1
HYDRAULICS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT H5 : Open Channel Flow
OBJECTIVE : - To Determine Manning's Coefficient, n, for open channel flow.

Apparatus:
a) Open Channel
Demonstration Apparatus
b) Caliper
c) Steel Rule
d) Weir Plate

1. Channel element 2.5 m

2. Flow channel element
3. Groove for overflow weir
4. Outflow segment
5. Tank with outflow valve
6. Flow meter
7. Shut-off valve
8. Bearing pedestal with fixed
centrifugal pump and switch
box
9. Pressure line
10. Outflow valve with measuring
glands
11. Inclination adjustment device
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Open Channel Demonstration
Apparatus
Procedure:
1. Make sure the channel is
horizontal.
2. Measure the channel width at
mid-length of the channel. Ready? click / enter
3. DO NOT place 2 weir plate in the
overflow groove (record this) Set 1: Fix Gradient
4. Power-up the main supply and
6. Use the inclination
start the pump. adjustment device
5. Open-up the inlet valve slowly to to fix the channel
obtain a flow (start with a small gradient to 2.5%.
flow).
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CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
CC303 HYDRAULICS 1
HYDRAULICS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT H5 : Open Channel Flow
OBJECTIVE : - To Determine Manning's Coefficient, n, for open channel flow.
Procedure:
7. Let the flow equilibrate for 30 seconds.
8. Set the flow to about 4 m3/hr, this is the first reading value.
9. Let the flow equilibrate for 30 seconds and measure the water
level using the gauge at mid-channel length.
10. Repeat step 8 with consecutive increment of 1 m3/hr flow, and
step 9 until 5 readings are obtained. Ready ? click / enter
Set 2: Fix Flow
11. For the next set of experimental readings, fixed the flow to 7 15. Close down the inlet valve fully, and
m3/hr, (record this). switch off the pump first followed by
the starter switch.
12. Set the channel elevation to 0.5%. Let the flow equilibrate for
16. Switch off the main. Return all items
30 seconds.
to their respective place.
13. Measure the water level using the gauge at mid-channel length.
14. Repeat step 12 with consecutive increment of 0.5% channel Ready ? click / enter
elevation, and step 13 until 5 readings are obtained. Ready ? click / enter
DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS AND GRADING
- The Laboratory Conduct
(b) Psychomotor skills: CLO2 - Carry out laboratory (c) Affective skills: CLO3 - Group Dynamics
test.
1. Teamwork (A2) 5 / 5
1. Student preparedness (P2) 5 / 5 2. Leadership (A3) 5 / 5
2. Ability to follow direction (P3) 5 / 5 Sub-Total 35 / 35
3. Demonstrate knowledge of tools (P3) 5 / 5
4. Level of needed assistance (P4) 5 / 5
5. Time Management (P2) 5 / 5
Thank you.