Role of Energy Loss on Discharge Characteristics of Sluice Gates

A theoretical method was used to derive an equation for the discharge coefficient of sluice gates in rectangular channels under orifice-flow (both free and submerged) conditions. The proposed equation allows for the effects of energy dissipation between the upstream section of the gate and the vena contracta. The hydraulic energy loss in the upstream pool is attributable to the induced turbulence by the recirculating region and to the growth of bottom boundary layer. For the submerged-flow condition, turbulent shear-layer entrainment is also responsible for the energy loss. This energy loss is introduced into the equations through a coefficient k that has been conventionally assumed to be negligible. Experimental data from the literature were used to validate the equation, which showed good agreement with the measured values. It is also shown that the magnitude of the energy-loss factor is a function of the geometry of the gate and can modify the discharge coefficient. An equation for the distinguishing condition between free and submerged flows is also presented. The new equations can be used to predict the performance of sluice gates with different edge shapes under free- and submerged-flow situations.