J. E.

LABANEN, 2021

MODULE 11

I. Learning Outcome: This module is about the Fluid Flow Measurement

Continuation - 2
Topics: A. Unsteady Flow
B. Weirs
a) Classification of Weirs
b) Parts of a Weir
C.Formulas
D. Problem Solving
E. Problems

(Based on the book: Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulics (Revised

Version) by D. Gillesania)

Time Factor: 4 hours (1 weeks)

I. Unsteady Flow
The flow through orifice, weirs, or tubes are said to be steady only if the total
head producing flow, H is constant. The amount of fluid being discharged for a time t
can be computed using the formula:

Vol = Q(t)
V
Q=
t

a) For tanks with constant cross-sectional area, and the outflow is through an orifice or
tube (with no inflow) , the time for the head to change from H1 to H2 is:
H1
A s dH
t=∫
H2 C A o √2 g H

2 As
t= (√ H 1 – √ H 2 )
C Ao √2 g
II. Weir
Weirs are overflow structures which are built across an open channel for the
purpose of measuring or controlling the flow of liquids.

a) Classification of Weirs
I. According to shape:
1. Rectangular
2. Triangular
3. Trapezoidal
4. Circular
5. Parabolic
6. Irregular form
II. According to form of the crest
1. Sharp-crested
2. Broad-crested
3. Narrow-Crested
4. Ogee-Shaped
III. According to Flow
1. Free Flowing- water surface downstream from the weir is lower
than the crest.
2. Submerged – The water at the downstream surface is higher than
the crest.
IV. According to the effect of sides on the emerging nappe;
1. Weir with end contraction
2. Weir without end contraction
 b) Parts of the Weir

Drop-down curve

III. Formulas

A. Rectangular Weir
3
Q=C w L H 2

Where Cw is the weir factor

[ ] [ ]
3 3 3 3
2 2
Q=C w L H = C √ 2 g L H 2 = C √ 2 g L[ ( H +h v ) 2 −h v 2 ]
2
3 3

Note:
For the Weir Factor, the following may be used:

1. Francis Formula:
(for Rect. Weir lengths of 1.07 m to 5.18 m under heads of 0.180 m to 0.490 m)

C w =1.84 ¿ for SI Units only

If H/P < 0.4 : Cw = 1.84 for SI Units

Cw = 3.33 for English System
 2. Rehbock and Chow Formula:

Cw = 1.8 + 0.22 H/P for SI Units

Cw = 3.27 + 0.4 H/P for English System

3. Basin Formulas:
(for Rect. Weir lengths of 0.5m to 2.0 m under heads of 0.05 m to 0.060 m)

[ ][ ( )]
2
0.02161 H
C w =0.5518 3.248+ 1+ 0.55
H d

B. For Contracted Rectangular Weir:

Use: L = L’ – 0.1 nH

n = number of end-contraction
C. Triangular Weir (V-notch)
a)V-notch Weir has a vertex angle of 10 to 90 degrees, rarely larger.
2
4
Q= C √2 g L H 3
15

b)If the sides are unequal

5 5
8 θ 2 θ 2
Q= C √2 g tan H = C w tan H
15 2 2

c)if a standard 90 degree weir is used

5
Q=1.4 H 2 for SI Units
5
Q=2.5 H 2 for English System

D. Trapezoidal Sharp-Crested Weir (

(Combination of Rect.Weir and Triangular Weir)
3 5
Q=C w 1 L H 2 +C w2 Z H 2

b
Z=
H

b L b

θ /2

E. Cipolletti Weir
 The side slopes of 1 hor. and 4 vert.
3
Q=1.859 L H 2 for SI Units
3
Q=3.37 L H 2 For English System

Note:
Read on Suttro Weir, Submerged Sharp Weir, and Unsteady Flow ( Variable
Heads) in Weirs.

IV. Solving Problems

1. A 1.5 m diameter vertical cylindrical tank 3 m high contains 2.5 m of water. A 100
mm diameter circular sharp-edged orifice is located at its bottom. Assume C = 0.60.
a) How long will it take to lower the water level to 1 m deep after opening the
orifice?
b) How long will it take to empty the tank?

3m

2.5 m

1m

100 mm dia orifice

C = 0.60

Solution

2 As
t= (√ H 1 – √ H 2 )
C Ao √2 g
 π
2( x 1.52 )
4
t= ( √ 2.5 – √1.0 )
π
0.6( x 0.12 ) √ 2(9.81)
4

T = 98.4 sec

2. Find the width, in meters, of the channel at the back of a suppressed weir using the
following data:
Head, H, is 28.5 cm
Depth of water, d = 2.485 m
Discharge, Q = 0.84 cu m/ s
Consider velocity of approach
Use Francis Formula.

Solution
3
a) Q=C L H 2
w

3
0.84 = 1.84 L 0.285 2
L=3m

v a2
b) h v = =¿
2g
3 3
Q = 1.84 L[ ( 0.285+0.000647 ) 2 −0.000647 2 ]

L=3m
3
a) Q=C L H 2
w
 C w =1.84 ¿

Q=¿
2 2
3 C w 3 1.84
C 1= = =0.2588
2 2 g 2 2( 9.81)

Q=¿

L=3m

V. Problem

1. An open cylindrical tank 4 m in diameter and 10 m high contains 6 m of water and 4

m of oil (sp gr = 0.8). Find the time to empty the tank through a 100 mm diameter
orifice at the bottom. Assume Cc = 0.9 and Cv = 0.98.

a) How long will it take to empty the tank?

oil 4m

water 6 m

100 mm dia orifice

 CE 325 – Hydraulics
Module 11
Worksheet 11

Name ____________________________________________Date ______________________

Course and Year: ___________________________________

1. An open cylindrical tank 4 m in diameter and 10 m high contains 6 m of water and 4

m of oil (sp gr = 0.8). Find the time to empty the tank through a 100 mm diameter
orifice at the bottom. Assume Cc = 0.9 and Cv = 0.98.

b) How long will it take to empty the tank?

oil 4m

water 6 m

100 mm dia orifice

1.