Objectives of the open

channel flow practical

• To understand the flow patterns over a
broad-crested weir.
• To use the equation that quantifies the
discharge over a broad-crested weir
• To determine the discharge coefficient
Cd on a broad-crested weir using
the given parameters
Flow through the
broad crested weir
Theory:
Weirs are elevated hydraulic structures used to
measure flow and/or control the water elevation at
outflows from basins and channels.
The depth of water above the weir the weir is
equivalent to the critical depth (yc).
Critical condition is obtained when the relationship
between the inertial forces and the gravitational
forces of the flow is equal to 1.0; therefore, the
velocity of the flow, V, is equal to the velocity of the
wave (or celerity), c = gy ;. This relationship is known
as Froude number (F).
F=1 when the flow is critical.
 Froude Number
• V2/gy is the Froude Number, squared. Notice that it
is dimensionless, i.e. all the units cancel. It is the
ratio of kinetic to potential energy, and is used to
characterize open channel flow.
• And so, returning to the text, at the minimum
specific energy the dimensionless Froude Number
is:
Flow deeper than a Froude Number of Fr=1 (large depth in
denominator so Fr <1) is called subcritical flow. It is higher
and slower.
Flow shallower than Fr=1 (Fr>1) is called supercritical or
shooting flow. It is lower and faster.

Never design a channel on a slope that is near critical

(Fr = 1) because of the unpredictable water surface.
 Hydraulic Jump
• What happens if the Froude number crosses from Fr>1
(shallow, fast) to Fr < 1 (deep, slow)? At the transition, the
flow has to suddenly change from one flow depth to the
other. It forms a jump between one and the other. The two
regions are separated by a continuously collapsing wall of
water referred to as a hydraulic jump.