2114028 27/10/2023 Lab 1: Venturi flume

ABSTRACT
In this experiment the impact of a venturi flume constriction on the flow characteristics of
rectangular open channel flow was investigated. A venturi flume constriction in a rectangular
open channel was set up and water let to flow at a rate of 0.9L/s with two sets of four
measurements of flow depth at different lengths 1.2m, 2.2m, 3.2m, and 4.2m respectively,
both before and after inserting a stop log. It was discovered that a decrease in flow depth
leads to a reduction in total head, and an increase in mean velocity.

INTRODUCTION
Broad-crested weirs and venturi flumes are hydraulic structures that can be used to assess
flow in open channels. The velocity of the flow rises when the bed level (hump) is locally
raised. The relationship between volumetric flow rate and water depth above the weirs can
be calculated using Bernoulli’s equation, continuity equations and some assumption on the
head loss and pressure distribution of the flow passing over the weir. When the hump is high
enough, the flow over it will be critical. In this experiment a constriction (narrow section) was
used as a control, which increased the velocity of the flow thus creating a critical point by
having an upstream flow of deep depth and low velocity (sub-critical flow condition), and a
downstream of high velocity and shallow depth (super-critical flow condition).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Hydraulic jumps are phenomena in hydraulics that occur when the depth of flow transitions
from sub-critical to a super-critical condition, hydraulic jumps are very efficient in dissipating
the energy of the flow making it more controllable and less erosive. The hydraulic jump
frequently appears downstream from an overflow structure causing a sudden increase in flow
depth and a transition from laminar to turbulent flow. For an open channel with a horizontal
bed, Bernoulli’s equation was used to compute the total energy (H) and specific energy (E).
Total head is the total energy per unit datum which corresponds with the bed of the fluid.
𝑝 𝑢2 𝑢2 𝑝
H= + + z (Total head) (1), E = h + (Specific head), where h = + z (2)(Hydrostatic
ρg 2𝑔 2𝑔 ρg
pressure assumed)
For a rectangular channel with flow rate of Q and width B, the flow rate per unit width and
𝑄 𝑄 𝑞𝐵 𝑞
the mean velocity were computed as: q = (3), and u = A = hB = h
B

𝑞2
The specific energy was then refined to: E = h + 2𝑔ℎ2 (Specific head) (4)

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of a constriction on the flow in an
open channel and to develop an understanding of the concept of total and specific energy.

APPARATUS
➢ Venturi flume
 ➢ Ruler
➢ Two head gauges
➢ Source of running water
➢ Stop log
Figure 1: Venturi flume, ruler, two head gauges, water source,
PROCEDURE and a stop-log
➢ Plan dimensions of the flume were measured and included the channel width, as well
as the constriction width
➢ The source of water was opened and delivered water at a flow rate of 0.90L/s. the
water was allowed to flow until it reached steady state where the water heights
remained constant over time.
➢ Elevation (side-view) dimensions of the flume were measured, at multiple points
along the length of the venturi flume, which included: h1 (upstream height of water
from the bed), and h2 (downstream height of water from the bed)
➢ the stop log was then dropped into the end of the venturi flume to introduce a
hydraulic jump.
➢ Elevation (side-view) dimensions of the flume were measured, downstream of the
venturi flume, which included: h3 (upstream height of hydraulic jump from the bed),
and h4 (downstream height of hydraulic jump from the bed)

RESULTS
Results were analyzed using excel as shown in appendix section using equations (1), (2), (3), (4). Q=
0.9L/s , q= 0.012m^2/s , and B= 0.078m

DISCUSSION
The flow velocity was observed as low upstream and high downstream while the flow depth
was deep upstream and shallow downstream. The total energy and specific energy were
greater upstream when compared to downstream. As the stop logs were raised to the
control point, a hydraulic jump was observed. The hydraulic jump had a upstream flow
depth of 62mm and a downstream flow depth of 20mm. During this hydraulic jump, there
were energy losses, leading to a subsequent decrease in velocity, accompanied by an
increase in flow depth downstream of the channel. Energy losses were calculated without
the addition of the required structure and can be referred to in the appendix

CONCLUSION
It was discovered that the flow within a rectangular open channel goes through a transition
from a super-critical state to a sub-critical state as it passes through the constricted region.
These flow conditions reach a critical state at the throat of the venturi flume . The total
energy and specific energy were greater upstream than downstream of the channel

REFERENCES

1. Hager, W.H. (2010). Venturi Flume. Wastewater Hydraulics, pp.335–353.doi:

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-11383-3_12.
2. Chadwick, A., Morfett, J. and Borthwick, M., 2021. Hydraulics in civil and
environmental engineering. Crc Press.