CE 326 HYDRAULICS

LABORATORY MANUAL
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

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EXPERIMENT NO. 10

FLOW IN OPEN CHANNEL

I. OBJECTIVES:
To determine the most efficient cross section of an open channel, to
investigate the uniform flow condition of different weirs in an open channel and to
compare the discharges collected on different weirs.

II. APPARATUS:
Glass walled flume
Weirs
Stop watch
Meter stick/ruler

III. THEORY:
The analysis of flow patterns of water surface shape, velocity, shear stress and
discharge through a stream reach falls under the heading Open Channel Flow.

Open Channel Flow is defined as fluid flow with a free surface open to the
atmosphere. Examples include streams, rivers and culverts not flowing full. Open
channel flow assumes that the pressure at the surface is constant and the hydraulic
grade line is at the surface of the fluid

Steady and unsteady flow depend on whether flow depth and velocity change
with time at a point. In general, if the quantity of water entering and leaving the reach
does not change, then the flow is considered steady.
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 Steady flow in a channel can be either Uniform or Non-uniform (varied).When
the average velocities in successive cross sections of a channel are the same, the
flow is uniform. This occurs only when the cross section is constant. Non-uniform flow
results from gradual or sudden changes in the cross sectional area.

Uniform flow and varied flow describe the changes in depth and velocity with
respect to distance. If the water surface is parallel to the channel bottom flow is
uniform and the water surface is at normal depth. Varied flow or non-uniform flow
occurs when depth or velocity change over a distance, like in a constriction or over
a riffle. Gradually varied flow occurs when the change is small, and rapidly varied
flow occurs when the change is large, for example a wave, waterfall, or the rapid
transition from a stream channel into the inlet of a culvert.

IV. LABORATORY PROCEDURE:

1. Set up the flume apparatus. Measure the dimensions of the different weirs and the
glass walled flume.
2. Insert the rectangular weir on the glass walled flume apparatus. Start the pump at a
certain pressure.
3. Allow the water to flow in the flume until it reached its certain height. Then, take the
measurement of the depth of water on the weir. Collect the water that has been
discharged within 2 seconds. Take the measurement of water collected.
4. Without witching off the pump, replace the rectangular weir with a trapezoidal weir.
5. Allow the water to flow and settle, then take the measurement of the depth of water
as well as the height of the water surface. Collect the water that has been discharged
from the flume within 2 seconds. Take the measurement of water collected.
6. Measure the depths of water of the other weirs as well as the height of its water
surface and the water that has been discharged by the flume.

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V. DATA AND RESULTS:

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VI. EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP:

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VII. CONCLUSION:

VIII. RECOMMENDATION:

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