Rapidly Varying Flow

Dr. Shahid Ali

Maximum Discharge
Flow is maximum at critical depth
Specific force or Momentum function
 Weir
• Weirs are overflow structures build across channels to measure the
volumetric rate of flow of water.

• It is an obstruction that causes the liquid to rise behind the weir and flow
over it.

• The crest of the measuring weir is normally perpendicular to the

direction of flow.
• Constructed from metal, masonry or concrete etc.

• Weirs are identified by the shape of their opening or notch

• The edge of the opening can be sharp or it can be broad, consequently,

the weirs will weather be sharp crested or broad crested.
Sluice Gates
The weir plate thickness at the crest edges should be from 0.03 to 0.08 inches.
 Velocity of Approach
Sometimes a weir is provided in a stream or a river (in storage reservoir vel. of app is
taken as zero) to measure the flow of water.

In such a case, the water approaching the u/s of weir has got some velocity of
approach and is assumed to be uniform over the whole weir.
In deriving formula for discharge over broad crested weir, we have ignored velocity
of approach but in actual practice velocity of approach of water is sure to affect the
discharge over the weir.

Let a = x- sectional area of channel on u/s side of weir

Q
Va 
A
Additional height / head due to velocity of approach
2
Va
Ha 
2g
• Thus if velocity of approach is also considered then total height above the
weir is
Ht = H + Ha H = Ht – Ha

• Discharge over the weir will then be given by

3 3
Q max  0.385C d L 2 g ( H t 2  H a 2 )
 Flume Structure

• In every hydraulic structure (i. e. Bridge, regulator etc) which is constructed

across an open channel, a few opening are left to allow the water to pass.

• If the total width of all these openings is practically the same as that of the
channel, such a structure is called full width or unflumed structure.

• But generally the total width of such a structure is kept much less than the
width of the channel to keep economy in its construction and to increase its
utility.
•
• Such a structure whose width is less than the width of channel is called
flumed structure.
 Venturi Flume

A flumed structure used for the measurement of the quantity of water is called
venturi flume.
The difference between venturi meter and venturi flume is that in venturi meter the
flow is under pressure whereas in a venturi flume the flow is under gravity and
pressure is atmospheric.
Following two types of venturi flume are important from subject point of view:-

 Non-modular venturi flume

 Modular venturi flume
 Venturi Flume

A non-modular venturiflume consists of

Convergent cone
It is short part of the channel which converges from b1 to b2. It is also called inlet
of the venturiflume.
Throat
It is the small portion of the channel in which width b2 is kept constant
Divergent cone
It is the small portion of the channel which diverges from width b2 to again width
b1.
Venturi Flume
• The liquid while flowing through venturi flume is accelerated between section 1-1 and
2-2 so the velocity at 2-2 is more than that at 1-1 thus depth at section 2-2 decreases

• Energy eq. between sec 1-1 &2-2 (as z1=z2)

2 2
v1 v2
h1   h2 
2g 2g
2 2
v2 v1
h1  h2    (1)
2g 2g
Since discharge at section 1-1 & 2-2 is continuous therefore

a1 v1 = a2 v2 (Eq. of cont.) a2 v2
v1 
a1
2 2
a2 v2
v1 
2
2
a1
 v2
2
a22 v22 1 v22 v2
2
 a22 
h1  h2   2   1  2 
2g a1 2 g 2g 2g  a1 
v22  a12  a22 
  2

2g  a1  Let h = difference of head at 1-1 & 2-2

Discharge through venturi flume is

Q = coeff. of venturi flume (a2 v2 )

Q = C a2v2

Value of C depends on smoothness of surface of bed/sides and roundness of corners of

V.F. It ranges 0.95 to 1.0
 Modular Venturi flume
• It is the type of V. F. in which the width of throat is decreased to such an extent
that the depth of water in throat is equal to critical depth.

• The velocity of flow through the throat corresponding to critical depth is also
critical.
• Therefore the existence of critical conditions of flow in throat will cause
a standing wave on the d/s of V.F.

• Such a V.F. which causes a standing wave on its d/s and have critical
condition in its throat is known as modular V.F. or standing wave V.F.
2
v1
E1  h1 
2g
2 Specific energy
v2
E2  h2 
2g

Now neglecting loss of energy in gradually

converging portion of the flume

E1  E2
 v2 2
 E1  h2
2g

 
v2  2 g E1  h2 ( 2 )

Theoretical discharge through the venturi flume is

Qth  a2v2 b2 h2  2g (E1 - h 2 ) ( 3)

Qth  b 2  2 g E1h2 2  h23  ( 4 )

As depth of water at throat is critical so discharge at critical depth is maximum.

In eq (4), Q will be maximum when the factor 2 3 is maximum as all

other parameters are constant E1h 2  h2
 Differentiating wrt h2 and equating to zero

dQ

d
dh2 dh2

E1h22  h23  0  2 E1 3 h2  0
2
h2  E1 ( 5 )
3
2
2 E1h2  3 h 2  0
3
2
Qth  0.385b 2 2 g E1

h2 ( 2 E1 3 h2 )  0 Q ac  0.385Cb 2 2 g E1
3
2

C = Coeff of V.F. depending on smoothness of surface of bed/sides and roundness

of corners of V.F. and its value lies between 0.95-1.0.
 Problems

• A discharge of 1000(liter /sec) flows along a rectangular channel 1.5m wide (a) what
is critical depth in the channel (b) if H.J. is to be formed at a point where u/s depth is
180mm, what is height of H.J.

• A rectangular channel 6m wide discharges 1200(l/s) of water into 6m wide apron

with a velocity of 6m/s. What is height of H.J. how much energy is absorbed in the
jump

• A broad crested weir 10m long has maximum discharge 10,000 (l/s) determine the
head of water on u/s side of the weir for this discharge, if coeff. of discharge is
0.62.

• Determine the maximum discharge over a broad crested weir 60m long having
60cm height of water above the crest of weir. Coefficient of discharge is 0.595. also
determine the new discharge over the weir considering velocity of approach, the
channel on the u/s of the weir has a cross sectional area 45m2
• A rectangular channel 2.4m wide is provided with venturiflume of 1.5m wide throat.
Find quantity of water flowing through the V.F. when depth of water into u/s side
1.2m and at throat is 0.9m.

• A modular V.F. has an approach channel 3m wide having throat of 1.5m width.
Calculate discharge when u/s depth is 1m. Take C = 0.95