Experiment # 6

6.1. Objective:
To measure the coefficient of discharge using a rectangular notch.

6.2. Apparatus:
 Rectangular notch.
 Flow measuring tank attached with the volumetric hydraulic bench.
 Water supply.
 Hook gauge.
 Stop Watch.

Figure

6.3. Theory:

6.3.1. Flow rate:

The amount of fluid passing in unit time is called flow rate.

6.3.2. Volumetric flow rate:

volumetric flow rate (also known as volume flow rate, rate of fluid flow, or volume velocity)
is the volume of fluid which passes per unit time; usually it is represented by the
symbol Q (sometimes V̇). The SI unit is cubic metres per second (m3/s).

Q =vA

Where;

Q = volumetric flow rate.

v = Flow velocity.

A = cross-sectional area.
6.3.3. Mass Flow Rate:
Mass flow rate represents the amount of mass that passes a specific point over a period of
time. Mass flow rates are used to measure the weight or mass of a substance flowing through
a process operation.

W=Qxr
Where;

W = mass flow rate.

Q = Volumetric flow rate.

r = density.

6.3.4. Notch:
A notch is an opening in the side of a measuring tank or reservoir extending above the free
surface. These notches are used to measure discharge of open channel flows, by passing or
placing or constructing them across the stream. Notches are generally used for measuring
discharge in small open channels or laboratory flumes.

6.3.5. Classification of Notch:

The notches are classified as:

According to the shape of opening

 Stepped notch
 Trapezoidal notch
 Triangular notch
 Rectangular notch

Figure
6.3.6. Rectangular notch:
It takes its name from the shape of its notch. The discharge through a weir or notch is directly
related to the water depth or head (H). This head is affected by the condition of the crest, the
contraction, the velocity of approaching stream and the elevation of the water surface
downstream from the weir.

Figure

6.3.7. Difference between Notch and weir:

Basically there is no difference between a notch and a weir, except that a notch is of small
size while a weir is of large size. A notch is usually made of metal plate whereas a weir is
made of masonry or concrete.

6.4. Measure of discharge:

The discharge over notch is measured by measuring the head acting over the notch. As
water approaches the notch, its surface becomes curved. Therefore, the head over the
notch is to be measured at the upstream of the notch where the effect of curvature is
minimum. Also, it should be close to the notch so that the loss of energy between head
measuring section and notch is negligible. In practical, the head over notch is measured at
a distance of 3 to 4 times the maximum head from the notch.

Figure
 Formulae:
Theoretical discharge;

4.5. Procedure:
 First of all set the apparatus correctly.
 Then set the notch in the channel of hydraulic bench.
 Set the gauge.
 Start the pump and open the valve.
 Measure the time of the collecting tank for water to reach 5 liters.
 Note down the theoretical discharge of the Notch.
 Note down the actual discharge reading of the notch from collecting tank.
 Repeat the above steps to obtain three set of reading.
 Then fill the given table with these readings.

4.6. Observation and calculations:

4.6.1. Table:
Sr. No Quantity Time Head Qa =V/t Theoretical Coefficient
V (m3) T(sec) (m) Discharge of Discharge
Q=3/2CdH3/2√𝟐𝒈 Cd= Qa/Qt
*b

3
6.6.2. Calculation:
6.7. Conclusions: