Hydraulic characteristics of a new weir entitled of quarter-circular crested weir

Weirs are used for flow measurement, flood control in reservoirs and water level control in irrigation systems. In this study, a new weir entitled of quarter-circular crested weir is investigated. This weir is geometrically consisted of a quarter-circular crest of radius R, upstream slope α and vertical downstream face. The downstream face of the weir must be ventilated. Discharge coefficient, crest section velocity and pressure profiles, pressure distribution on the crest surface and upper and lower nappe profiles of flow over the quarter-circular crested weir were experimentally investigated. Results indicated that discharge coefficient of the weir is a constant value and equals to 1.261. In the range of H/R<1.5, it is more than the discharge coefficient of circular crested weir. The lower nappe profile of free jet over the weir can also be considered as the ogee shape of the proposed weir.     

Discharge prediction in flow measurement flumes with different downstream transition slopes

Experimental testing of 9 different rectangular compound cross-section flow measurement flumes with different downstream slopes was conducted to yield the coefficient of discharge and the approach velocity coefficient. The aim of the experimental research was the determination of stage–discharge relationship in compound cross-section flow measurement flumes with different downstream slopes. One empirical predictive model for each of the coefficient of discharge and the approach velocity coefficient for the 9 cross-sections have been derived using one dimensionless parameter for the coefficient of discharge and another one dimensionless parameter for the approach velocity coefficient as the single independent variable. This approach is preferred as it allows the estimation of discharge by only measuring the water depth at the head measurement section. All obtained predictive models statistics have indicated the high reliability of the derived models in estimating discharge in an open channel flume of a rectangular compound cross-section using the predicted coefficients.     

Experimental and CFD investigation of 100 mm size cone flow elements

This paper presents performance characteristics of 100 mm line size cone flow elements having beta ratios of 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8. A magnetic flow meter is used as a reference standard for flow measurement in vertical test section. A series of experiments have been conducted using water at in-house Flow Calibration Facility (FCF) to cover the Reynolds number ranging from 20,000 to 200,000. The performance characteristics of 100 mm line size cone flow elements with different beta values have been evaluated experimentally. It is found that the discharge coefficient of the cone flow element is nearly independent of the specified range of Reynolds number. Testing of the cone flow element in accordance with new API 5.7 is carried out at flow calibration facility. The testing requirements in the standard explain the conditioning effect of the cone flow element having gate valve disturbance upstream of the cone at various locations. The effect of the upstream velocity profile has been investigated by placing a gate valve upstream of the cone flow element at a distance of 0D and 28D and performing experiments at 25%, 50% and 100% opening of gate valve. The value of the discharge coefficient is not affected when the cone is placed at a distance of 0D and for 100% opening of gate valve. The uncertainty results of the cone testing are discussed. For studying pressure and velocity distributions, cone elements are modeled using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code PHOENICS. Pressure and velocity profiles for different sizes of cone elements are plotted. From the pressure profile, it can be seen that the pressure recovery downstream of the cone is within a distance of 3D. The velocity profile downstream of the cone signifies the use of flow element as a signal conditioner. For measurement of flow through a 100 mm line, differential pressure across the cone is measured using a Differential Pressure Transmitter (DPT). Experiments were repeated by replacing the cone element for obtaining different β values.     

Effective parameters for calculating discharge coefficient of sluice gates

The present work demonstrates the characteristics of flow from sluice gates under free and submerged flow conditions using Energy and Momentum Equations (EMEs). The experimental data was used from the research works reported by different investigators to calibrate the proposed equations. An equation for estimation energy loss factor of sluice gate at free flow was presented and effect of this parameter on increasing discharge coefficient's accuracy was demonstrated. It was derived a theoretical equation for variations of sluice gate's discharge coefficient with relative opening and relative tailwater depth. Effects of energy loss factor on discharge coefficient and distinguishing limit were investigated. In this research the concepts of submergence limit of the gate and the submergence limit of hydraulic jump will be distinguished. By determining effective pressure on the gate and using EMEs, equations for variations of sluice gate's contraction coefficient with relative opening and relative submergence were presented. The result shows that at free flow condition, a minimum contraction coefficient obtained under a certain value of relative gate opening. At submerged flow condition, contraction coefficient would be either increased or decreased depending on the level of flow submergence. This paper carefully considered stage-discharge relationships for estimation gate discharge under free and submerged flow conditions.     

Experimental analysis of combined side weir-gate located on a straight channel

Flow measurement and control in open channel system for lateral flow is important to support the system management. The flow characteristics of combined side weir-gate are complicated due to changes in flow conditions along the side weir-gate section. Experimental investigation of the flow characteristics of both weir and sluice gates is crucial for predicting the flow through a combined side weir-gate structure. Although weir-gate structures are widely used for frontal flow in hydraulic structures, the same is not true for lateral flows. In this study, 650 laboratory tests were conducted to determine the flow characteristics of combined side weir-gate for subcritical flow, and the experimental results were analyzed to determine the effect of these characteristics and weir-gate geometry on discharge capacity. Interaction factor of combined side weir-gate is a function of the upstream Froude number, the ratio of gate opening to upstream flow depth, the ratio of distance between the top of the sluice gate and the weir crest to gate opening, the ratio of weir and gate length to upstream flow depth, and the ratio of weir and gate length to main channel width. Consequently, more discharge is passed through combined side weir-gate compared to side weir and sluice gates. The empirically derived equations for the discharge of combined side weir-gate show good compatibility with the experimental data.     

Stage-discharge relationship for slide gates installed in partially full pipes

Sluice/slide gates are widely used for flow depth control and flow discharge measurements in open channels. The hydraulic behavior of the sluice gates located in the rectangular open channels is well documented in the literature. This study reports the results of an investigation conducted to establish the stage-discharge relationship for the sluice gates located in horizontal, circular open channels/pipes under free outflow conditions. Different stage-discharge models were proposed based on the Buckingham's theorem of dimensional analysis and orifice theory. A comprehensive series of laboratory experiments (729 runs) were performed to study the sluice gates located at the middle, and at the end of two circular pipes. Using the data collected from two circular open channels of nominal diameters 20 and 30 cm, the proposed models were calibrated. For the middle slide gates, the experimental results showed that the discharge prediction can be improved by introducing the Reynolds number. For the slide gates located at the middle of the channel, the best proposed model has an average error of 1.40% with a maximum error of 7.12%. For the slide gates located at the end of the channel, the Reynolds number has no significant effect and best proposed model has an average error of 2.47% with a maximum error of 6.59%. The results also showed that the flow discharge of the end slide gate (with unconfined free jet under gravity) is higher than the flow discharge of the middle slide gate for the same gate opening areas and upstream flow depths. The proposed sluice/slide gate for circular open channels offers a simple and reliable discharge measurement approach with acceptable accuracy.     

Weir velocity formulation for sharp-crested rectangular weirs

Discharge in open channels can be measured by sharp-crested rectangular weirs. Generally, measured head over the weir crest is substituted into an empirical formula derived from energy considerations to calculate the discharge. Assumptions made on the derivation are taken into account by defining a discharge coefficient that fits into the experimental data. In this study, a physical quantity, the average velocity over the weir section defined as ‘weir velocity’ is directly formulated as function of weir geometry and head over the weir. Weir velocity plotted against the weir head has a universal behavior for constant weir width to channel width ratio independent of the weir size. This unique behavior is described in terms of weir parameters to calculate the discharge without involving a discharge coefficient. Combining weir velocity data for variable weir widths provides a basis for direct formulation of discharge. The weir velocity exhibits simpler functional dependency on weir parameters in contrast to the discharge coefficient.     

A simple model for estimation of dimensionless isovel contours in open channels

A simple model is proposed for predicting the dimensionless isovel contours in straight ducts and open channels. It is assumed that each element of the boundary influences the velocity at an arbitrary point in the cross section. Then, the total effect of the boundary can be obtained using integration along the wetted perimeter. In this paper, power and logarithmic laws are used, while any velocity profile can be applied in the model. The model is applied to calculate the normalized isovel contours in rectangular channels. Then they are used, in combination with a single-point velocity measurement at a cross section of the uniform flow, to estimate the discharge. The kinetic energy and momentum correction factors, and the ratio of maximum to mean velocity, are also calculated from isovel patterns. Calibration and validation of the model are carried out by comparing the results obtained with measurements of the velocity in the main flow direction along the centerline of a rectangular flume as well as in the transverse direction. Each point of measurement can be used to estimate the discharge. Then, the estimated discharge is compared with the actual measured one. Depending on the position of the measurement, the deviation of the calculated and measured discharges will be altered. Model predictions are well correlated with experimental data for rectangular open channels.     

Discharge estimation for submerged parallel radial gates

Seven hundred ninety-seven field-measured data points were collected to calibrate multiple parallel radial gates. Data were collected from three control structures (i.e., Al-Tawfiki, Al-Menoufi, and Abasi regulators), which are located in the Delta irrigation district of Egypt. Upstream and downstream water depths, gate opening size, and flow discharge was measured at each structure. Additionally, previous calibration methods were reviewed and evaluated. Dimensional analysis with application of the incomplete self-similarity concept demonstrated the best results for the study area. Based on the field measurement data, a simple formula that implicitly considers the discharge coefficient is proposed for estimating the flow rate through submerged parallel radial gates.     

Computation of discharge for simultaneous flow over weirs and below gates (H-weirs)

Simultaneous flow over weirs and below gates for free flow condition is experimentally investigated. Combination of a sharp-crested rectangular weir and rectangular gate is considered as a flow measurement structure which is named as H-weirs. H-weirs are defined by the width of the weir and gate openings, the height of the gate opening and the vertical distance between bottom of the weir and top of the gate. Laboratory experiments are conducted by measuring the discharge and the depth of water at upstream for different H-weirs. The present study aims to determine the discharge for a given H-weir simply by reading the depth of water at upstream of the combined structure. The compatibility of various formulations of the discharge–depth of water relationship is investigated by using the collected data and two new formulations are suggested based on the analysis of these data. After obtaining and comparing percentage errors of each equation, it is concluded that the new proposed equations can be used to accurately predict the discharge through H-weirs within the given ranges of the experimental study.     

Rotary gate: Submerged flow condition

The rotary gate is a recently proposed gate for application in semicircular elevated irrigation networks. In this study, the hydraulics of rotary gate submerged flow was theoretically and experimentally investigated. Two approaches for estimating the submerged flowrate were considered, namely the stage-discharge based on the superposition rule and the dimensional analysis principles. The results revealed that the gate opening angle and the submergence ratio affect the submerged discharge the most. Based on the compiled experimental data relationships for estimating the discharge in such flow conditions were presented. Statistical analysis indicated that both approaches yielded satisfactory results for discharge estimation. Also, the submerged threshold condition of the rotary gate was investigated and a relationship was proposed whose results concurred with the observed data. In addition, the gate discharge coefficient and its head loss were studied and relationships for determining the discharge coefficient and the relative head loss in submerged flow condition were proposed.     

Study of the hydraulic properties of the cylindrical crested weirs

Since the cylindrical and circular crested weirs are economical and easily made compared to some other weirs, they can be used to measure the flow velocity, the water discharge and flow surface control structures in the canals and reservoirs. In this paper, the hydraulic properties of the cylindrical and circular crested weirs, such as the discharge coefficient, the depth on the crest of the weir and the energy loss in 18 laboratory models categorized in 5 categories have been investigated. The results of the experiments indicated that in both the cylindrical and circular crested weirs by increasing the total partial head, the discharge coefficient increases and any changes in the upstream wall slope has no effect on the discharge coefficient. Also, the partial energy loss more occurs in the cylindrical weirs than the half shaped cylindrical weirs and by increasing the downstream inclination angle, the partial energy loss increases subsequently. The partial flow depth on the crest of both the cylindrical and half shaped cylindrical weirs is equal to 0.7 and by increasing of the upstream inclination angle, the partial flow depth on the crest in the values greater than 0.6, increases slightly and the downstream inclination angle changes of the partial flow depth has no effect on the crest.     

Simulation of free surface flow over the streamlined weirs

The streamlined weirs are a special type of weirs, designed on the basis of airfoil theory. Because of their particular design, they have some merits compared to the other types of weirs, such as; high discharge coefficient, more stability of overflow and less fluctuations of water free surface. In the present study, a numerical simulation performed using an open source software namely, OpenFOAM, to give details about the flow structure over, up- and downstream of these weirs. Also, an experimentation setup was devised to evaluate the numerical results and determine the best numerical model. Analyzing the results of different turbulence models including; standard k-ε, realizable k-ε, RNG k-ε, k-ω SST, and Reynolds stress LRR, indicated that all the aforementioned models accurately estimate the flow field and hydraulic parameters. However, the k-ω SST model gives more accurate results, very close to the experimental data especially for the Reynolds stresses. Accordingly, the k-ω SST turbulence model was chosen as the best turbulence model for analyzing the flow over the streamlined weirs. Numerical results for different relative eccentricities show that, by increasing the relative eccentricity, the flow velocity over the crest of the weirs increases and accordingly the pressure in such section decreases. For a constant flow discharge upstream of different types of the streamlined weirs, the lowest bed pressure and the most probable potential of cavitation belongs to a circular-crested weir (a streamlined weir with a relative eccentricity of unity). Furthermore, the greatest bed shear stresses and the compressive forces occur downstream of the circular-crested weir. Thus, downstream of a circular-crested weir is responsible for larger potential of bed erosion. This is partly due to the formation of shock waves, reduction of the flow depth, and enhancement of the flow velocity downstream of a circular-crested weir. Moreover, the lowest bed shear stresses were observed upstream of the circular-crested weir. Therefore, upstream of a circular-crested weir shows the greatest potential of sedimentation. Finally, applying the streamlined weirs with an appropriate curvature, diminishes the unfavorable flow conditions, as observed for the circular-crested weir, being the safer and economic hydraulic structures.     

水压锥阀空化射流流场结构与流量特性的相关性研究

为了研究水压锥阀空化流场与流量特性的相关性,对两种阀座结构的水压锥阀内部的空化射流开展了三维动态流场仿真.结果表明,直角型锥阀和倒角型锥阀均在阀芯后沿存在分离流诱发的附着型空化,在阀口下游有漩涡空化;此外,倒角阀座流道内亦存在分离流现象并形成附着型空化.倒角型流道入口处的分离流造成流体的局部加速,对于0.6 mm开口度...     

Prediction of flow discharge in compound open channels using adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system method

Discharge estimation in rivers is the most important parameter in flood management. Predicting discharge in the compound open channel by analytical approach leads to solving a system of complex nonlinear equations. In many complex mathematical problems that lead to solving complex problems, an artificial intelligence model could be used. In this study, the adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is used for modeling and predicting of flow discharge in the compound open channel. Comparison of results showed that the divided channel method with horizontal division lines with the Coefficient of determination (0.76) and root mean square error (0.162) is accurate among the analytical approaches. The ANFIS model with the coefficient of determination (0.98) and root mean square error (0.029) for the testing stage has suitable performance for predicting the discharge of flow in the compound open channel. During the development of the ANFIS model, found that the relative depth, ratio of hydraulics radius and ratio of the area are the most influencing parameters in discharge prediction by the ANFIS model.     

Flow measurement by the end-depth method in inverted semicircular channels

A free overfall at the end of an open channel provides a simple means for measuring flow discharge. The paper presents a simplified approach for the computation of end-depth of a free overfall in horizontal or mildly sloping inverted semicircular channels. Using a known end-depth the discharge can be estimated. The flow over a free overfall in an inverted semicircular channel is simulated by that over a sharp-crested weir to calculate the end-depth-ratio (EDR). The mathematical model is calibrated by the experimental data, making the coefficient of velocity a free parameter. The EDR, related to the critical depth, is around 0.705 for a critical depth–diameter ratio up to 0.42. The computed results agree satisfactorily with the experimental data.     

Direct solution for discharge in generalized trapezoidal free overfall

In open channels, free overfall can be used as a discharge measuring structure by a single measurement of depth at the end of the channel. If the slope of channel is negative, zero or mild, the flow at upstream of end section will be critical and end depth value depends only on the shape of the approach channel and its critical depth. This research presents a theoretical end depth–discharge (EDD) relationship for free overfall (end section) in a horizontal open channel with generalized trapezoidal section. The generalized trapezoidal shape reduces to the commonly used trapezoidal section as well as to the Δ-shaped section. Two direct discharge equations in terms of end depth for subcritical flows are proposed by simulating free overfall as a weir without crest. Experimental data are then used to verify the proposed EDD relationships. The calculated discharges, using the proposed EDD relationships, show excellent agreement with the experimental data.     

Influence of divergent section on flow fields and discharge coefficient of ISO 9300 toroidal-throat sonic nozzle

The effect of divergent section of ISO 9300 toroidal-throat nozzle on discharge coefficient was analyzed based on the inviscid transonic flow model and laminar boundary layer theory. A series of numerical simulations were conducted to verify the results of theory, and investigate the effect of divergent section length L and diffuser angle θ operated at different Reynolds numbers. Combined with the numerical results in this study and the experimental data reported by Nakao, it showed the discharge coefficient increases with the rise of diffuser angle θ or the drop of divergent section length L. A lot of new results about the effect of divergent section were obtained. It indicated that the effect of divergent section on discharge coefficient of ISO 9300 toroidal-throat nozzle should be considered when Re<1.1×10⁴. At last, a concept of effective critical flow was proposed to discuss the effect of divergent section on discharge coefficient.     

Discharge coefficient relationship for the sharp-edged width constriction new theory and experiment

In the field of flow measurement, what is needed in general rule is to design devices that are inexpensive, fairly accurate, and easy to implement. Some devices are more accurate than others but are very expensive.The present study examines a device for measuring flow in rectangular open channels that combines the three abovementioned advantages. It is made up of two separate vertical thin plates arranged in such a way that they form a central opening of width b less than the rectangular channel width B in which they are inserted. It is the simplest device ever imagined and designed for flow measurement in open channels.It is planned to derive the stage-discharge relationship by borrowing a rigorous theoretical development based on classical hydraulic formulas, accounting for the effect of the approach flow velocity. The intended stage-discharge relationship will allow us to derive the resulting discharge coefficient equation of the device.It is established that the resulting theoretical discharge coefficient is formally identified as being exclusively dependent on the contraction rate β = b/B, and this finding is predicted by dimensional analysis. Both dimensional and experimental analyses show no effect of the upstream water depth on the discharge coefficient for the selected values of β. The derived theoretical discharge coefficient relationship is straightforward, although it contains trigonometric functions that are somewhat cumbersome when the designer needs to perform a rapid field calculation.The theoretical and mean-experimental discharge coefficients of the eight tested devices are carefully compared using the one hundred and fifty-seven experimental values collected. An excellent agreement, even perfect, is observed since the maximum deviation worked out over the tested range of β is only 0.05%. This confirmed the validity of the theoretical relationship governing the discharge coefficient, which does not need any correction.     

斜置双瓣止回阀内部流态的模拟与试验研究

为了改进普通止回阀存在的开启角度小、流阻系数大等不足,设计一种新型斜置双瓣止回阀,对其在30°、50°、70°、80°及全开工况下的内部流动特性进行分析,计算出流阻系数及流量系数。对其进行压力损失特性试验及流量特性试验,计算出每个工况下的流阻系数及流量系数,将其与模拟数据进行对比分析。研究结果表明,斜置双瓣止回阀的模拟结果与试验结果比较接近,开启角度大,压力损失小,流阻系数小,流量系数大,通流能力好。通过对斜置双瓣止回阀进行数值模拟及试验研究,斜置双瓣止回阀的设计对流体系统节能具有指导意义。