WEIR EXPERIMENT

Submitted By:

Experiment # 2
Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering Lab
Course Number: CEEN 3167-100

Lab Instructor: Thomas. Lynn

Department of Civil Engineering

Texas A&M University–Kingsville

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 February 18, 2019

INTRODUCTION
Background and Theory

Wires comprise of a partial barrier in a channel that causes the flowing fluid to accelerate over this
restriction with a free liquid surface. A relation occurs amongst the flow rate as well as the change
among the nappe and the crest. By using the Bernoulli’s equation towards a streamline after and
before a weir, to measure the flow this relation can be used in open channels. For the
incompressible, steady flow, and non-viscous fluid the Bernoulli’s equation uses the principles of
continuity as well as conversation of energy to solve for the flow rate Q. There are two assumptions
involves to using the Bernoulli’s equation. Firstly, the fluid stream-lines at the nappe are vertical
to a cross-sectional place and all are parallel to one another. Secondly, ahead of the weir the fluid
level is smooth as well as horizontal.
𝑉12 𝑃1 𝑉22 𝑃2
+ 𝑍1 + ≅ + 𝑍2 + (1)
2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾

Where, g = Acceleration of gravity = 9.81 m/s2

𝛾 = Specific weight = ρg
V1 =Before weir flow velocity
P1 = Surface pressure before weir
Z1 = Head before weir
V2 =After weir flow velocity
P2 = Surface pressure after weir
Z2 = Head after weir
Furthermore, there are three more assumptions were considered in order to make the
analysis as simpler. Firstly, the fluid elevation at the crest is supposed not to drop off. Secondly,
it is supposed the nappe is fully ventilated so that atmospheric fluid pressure can be supposed in
the nappe. And finally, may be neglected the upstream fluid velocity. Moreover, for the total
head calculation the Bernoulli’s equation in simplified form as given below.
𝑉22
ℎ ≅ 𝑍1 − 𝑍2 ≅ (2)
2𝑔

By integrating the velocity over the opening are of the weir the discharge can be obtained for the
weirs. Furthermore, there are different types of the wires are used. In the current experiment the
rectangular, triangular (V), trapezoidal (Cippoletti), and linear weirs are used, the further details
are given below.

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Rectangular Notch
The total discharge from the rectangular notch can be estimated by using the equation 3.

Figure 1: Rectangular weir cross-section

2 3
𝑄𝑇 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 = 𝐶𝑑 𝐵√2𝑔 𝐻 2 (3)
3
Where, Cd = Coefficient of discharge
𝑄𝑇 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 = Total flow rate from the rectangular notch
g = acceleration due to gravity (m3/s)
𝐻 = Above the base of the weir’s opening the water height
Triangular Notch
The total discharge from the triangular notch can be estimated by using the equation 4.

Figure 2: Triangular weir cross-section

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 8 5
𝑄𝑇 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 = 𝐶𝑑 (√2𝑔)(𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃) 𝐻 2 (4)
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Trapezoidal (Cippoletti) Notch

The total discharge from the trapezoidal (Cippoletti) notch can be estimated by using the
equation5.

Figure 3: Trapezoidal weir cross-section

2 8 3
𝑄𝑇 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑧𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑙 = 𝐶𝑑 (√2𝑔 ) ( 𝑏 + 𝐻𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃) 𝐻 2 (5)
3 15

Linear Notch
The total discharge from the linear notch can be estimated by using the equation 6.

Figure 4: Linear notch cross-section

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 𝑄𝑇 𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 = 𝐶𝑑 (2√2𝑔 ) 𝐻 (6)

Engineering Application

Wires are mostly used to prevent flooding, to either measure the flow rate or to control. Weirs are
of specific used in huge scale situations such as in canals, rivers, as well as in irrigation systems.
Furthermore, to estimate a hydroelectric project could be profitable and possible the flow data can
be used. Moreover, the v-type weirs are mostly used for a long-term dams monitoring, in tunnels
and dams for drainage systems, besides artesian and springs wells. In addition, the weirs can help
render rivers more navigable by boat [1, 2]. Moreover, rectangular weirs and triangular or v-notch
weirs are often used in water supply, wastewater and sewage systems.
Objective and Scope of investigation

For the open channel flow the discharge head characteristics investigation of a rectangular,
triangular (V), Trapezoidal (Cippoletti), and linear weirs was the objective of the present
experiment. Furthermore, the core objectives of the existing experiment are given below.
1. To estimate the water flow as well as the coefficient of discharge (Cd) in a rectangular,
triangular (V), Trapezoidal (Cippoletti), and linear weirs.
2. To determine the coefficient of discharge (Cd) from obtaining the slope of relationship among
the discharge of water for rectangular, triangular (V), Trapezoidal (Cippoletti), and linear weirs
corresponding to head H3/2, H5/2, H3/2, and H, respectively.
3. The estimation of discharge through using rectangular, triangular (V), Trapezoidal
(Cippoletti), and linear weirs are used in different number of ways.
4. The flow data man be also helpful to determine the hydroelectric project is a possible or not
and is this profitable or not.
5. The weirs have a lot of uses in the irrigation filed.
6. The weirs data are also most helpful for the ecosystem of a stream or river.
PROCEDURE
The Hydraulic bench P6100 with weirs apparatus is shown in figure 5. The current weirs
experiment was exactly performed as described in the manual. Everything was done according to
a lab manual, and further experimental procedure and cares during the experiment are given below.
Material
Water
Apparatus
1) Rectangular notch
2) V- notch
3) Trapezoidal notch

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4) Linear notch
5) Hydraulic bench
6) Stopwatch

Figure 5: Hydraulic Bench P6100 with weirs apparatus

Experimental Procedure and Cares
1) First of all, by setting up the hydraulic bench P6100 for the purpose of steady water supply
through a means of changing the flow rate, and the flow rate can be control by using the flow
control valve.
2) The weir plate under examination is placed at the end of the weir tank in the fittings provided,
through the sharp edge on the upstream side.
3) Set the stopwatch to zero and open the main valve.
4) Start the pump and gradually open the flow control valve until the water level reaches the weir
plate crest.
5) By using the hook gage, the weir plate opening bottom position was measured. This is the
datum point for all measurements to determine the head of the flow over the weir plate under
examination.
6) The flow rate is measured from the measured volume of water in a tank with time collection,
which was measured in liter per second.
7) Before measuring the head of water on the weir plate and discharge, the stabilization of water
flow conditions must be required.
8) There are 5 readings were taken by using the rectangular, triangular (V), Trapezoidal
(Cippoletti), and linear weirs, under the same flow and the head measurements were recorded.

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9) To avoid errors due to the presence of any significant amount of water, which may
rest on the horizontal step of the volumetric measuring Tank at high flow rates, ensure that the
starting point for volumetric measurements is above this “step,” (i.e., start
measurements at 15 liters or above.
10) When filling the weir channel to the weir crest level, ensure that overfilling does not take
place since this would cause a meniscus to form above the crest. This would lead to a
higher measured water level than the true datum.
11) The readings were taken five times for each weirs.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

The measured discharge (L/min) and corresponding depth (cm), raw data which was obtained
during the experiment is presented in appendix (Table 1). These measurements were taken for the
rectangular, triangular (V), Trapezoidal (Cippoletti), and linear weirs. Furthermore, the depth
above the bottom head (H) of weir was obtained under the same flow rate for each weirs
(rectangular, triangular (V), Trapezoidal (Cippoletti), and linear). For each weir the measurement
was taken 5 times under the different flow rates. Moreover, the weirs dimensions and datum
reading were measured before starting the experiment for all of the weirs. The dimensions and
datum reading for each weir are given in the appendix (Table 2). These weirs dimensions and
datum reading are further used to estimate the theoretical discharge.
Furthermore, the illustration of discharge (Q) in m3/s against the head above bottom of weir (H) in
m is given in the Figure 6. This comparison graph is between rectangular, triangular (V),
Trapezoidal (Cippoletti), and linear weirs. The head above the bottom of weirs was measured for
all of the weirs under the same discharge. The tendency of the curves for all the weirs shows that
the discharge is increases with the head of the weirs. From the Figure 6, the trapezoidal and
rectangular weirs curves show the almost similar behavior.
At the discharge of 1.67E-04 m3/sec, the triangular weir and linear weir have a head above the
bottom of weir by 0.011 m and 0.013 m, respectively with the percentage difference of 16.67%.
While the head for trapezoidal and rectangular weir at the lower discharge is found to be same by
0.045 m, with the percentage difference with respect to triangular and linear weir was found to be
of 121.4%, and 110.3%, respectively. At the maximum discharge 8.00E-04 m3/sec, the head above
the bottom of weir was found to be for the rectangular, triangular (V), Trapezoidal (Cippoletti),
and linear by 0.062, 0.048m, 0.045m, and 0.065m, respectively. Moreover, from the obtained
results of figure 6 are accepted. The triangular weir shows that the maximum discharge obtained
under the lowest head above the bottom of weir (H) by 0.48m, its revealed that the triangular weir
is more effective than the other weirs for the purpose of discharge.

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 9.0E-04
Rectangular Weir
8.0E-04
Triangular Weir
7.0E-04
Trapezoidal Weir
Discharge,Q (m3/s)

6.0E-04
Linear Weir
5.0E-04

4.0E-04

3.0E-04

2.0E-04

1.0E-04

0.0E+00
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07
Head above the bttom of Weirs,H (m)
Figure 6: Graph of discharge (Q) m3/s, Vs Head above bottom of weir (H) m
Furthermore, the actual flow rate against 𝐻 𝑥 illustration is presented in the Figure 7. The value of
x is given in the below Table 1 corresponding to each weir.

Table 1: Value of x corresponding to weirs

Types of weirs Value of x

Rectangular Notch 3/2

Triangular-V Notch 5/2

Trapezoidal (Cippoletti) 3/2

Notch
Linear notch 1

The Figure 7 graphs shows that the discharge is increased with the power of x. The behavior of
the curves of the rectangular and trapezoidal notch were shows similar behavior, while the curve
of the triangular weir also has the same trend with different values. In addition, the figure 7 is
further used to estimate the coefficient of discharge (Cd), from the slope of the curves. The
maximum discharge 48 L/sec was achieved in case of triangular weir at the lowest head 5.05E-04
𝑚5/2.

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 9.0E-04

8.0E-04

7.0E-04

6.0E-04
Discharge,Q (m3/s)

5.0E-04

4.0E-04

3.0E-04 Rectangular Weir (Q Vs H^3/2)

Triangular Weir (Q Vs H^5/2)

2.0E-04
Trapezoidal Weir (Q Vs H^3/2)
1.0E-04
Linear Weir (Q Vs H)
0.0E+00
0.0000 0.0100 0.0200 0.0300 0.0400 0.0500 0.0600 0.0700
Head of Weirs (Hx)
Figure 7: Graph of discharge (Q) m3/s, Vs Head (𝐻 𝑥 )
The illustration of Log Q against Log H is presented in the figure 8. The rectangular as well as
trapezoidal weir curves shows the similar trend. While the triangular and linear weirs curves show
the similar trends with different values.
-2.8
-2.1 -1.9 -1.7 -1.5 -1.3 -1.1

-3
Rectangular Weir
Triangular Weir
Trapezoidal Weir -3.2
Linear Weir
Log Q

-3.4

-3.6

-3.8

-4
Log H
Figure 8: Graph of Log Q Against Log H
Through using the equations 1, 2, 3, and 4 for determination of coefficient of discharge (Cd) for
the rectangular notch, triangular-v notch, trapezoidal (Cippoletti) notch, and linear notch,
respectively which is presented in the table 2. These average obtained value of coefficient of
discharge (Cd) is 0.1344 for the rectangular notch, which is less because of high actual discharge,
similarly for the V-notch the Cd was estimated by 5.9408, which is also not expected because the

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value of Cd is never greater than 1. Furthermore, for the trapezoidal notch, and linear notch the Cd
was estimated by 0.0585 and 0.0016, which is also not expected, because the value of Cd is so less
in these cases.
Table 2: Coefficient of discharge for each weir
Coefficient of Coefficient of Coefficient of
Coefficient of
Flow rate (Q) Discharge (Cd) Discharge (Cd) Discharge (Cd)
Discharge (Cd)
m3/sec Rectangular Triangular-V Trapezoidal
Linear notch
Notch Notch (Cippoletti) Notch
8.00E-04 0.1755 1.1209 0.1648 0.0014
6.67E-04 0.1750 3.5943 0.1727 0.0017
5.00E-04 0.1514 5.5337 0.1452 0.0017
3.33E-04 0.1108 10.1661 0.1095 0.0018
1.67E-04 0.0591 9.2889 0.0585 0.0014
Average value 0.1344 5.9408 0.0585 0.0016

The figure 9,10, and 11 are illustrations of the graphs discharge with 𝐻 3/2 , 𝐻 5/2 , 𝐻 3/2 for the
rectangular notch, triangular-v notch, trapezoidal (Cippoletti) notches, respectively. These graphs
slopes are used to estimate the coefficient of discharge (Cd) which are results given in the Table 3.

1.0E-03
9.0E-04
8.0E-04 y = 0.1021x - 0.0007
Discharge,Q (m3/s)

7.0E-04
6.0E-04
5.0E-04
4.0E-04
3.0E-04
2.0E-04
1.0E-04
0.0E+00
0.000 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.010 0.012 0.014 0.016 0.018
Head of the Weir,H^3/2 (m^3/2)

Figure 9: Graph of Discharge Q against 𝐻 3/2

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 9.0E-04

8.0E-04

7.0E-04
Discharge,Q (m3/s)
6.0E-04 y = 1.0094x + 0.0003
R² = 0.6696
5.0E-04

4.0E-04

3.0E-04

2.0E-04

1.0E-04

0.0E+00
0.00E+00 1.00E-04 2.00E-04 3.00E-04 4.00E-04 5.00E-04 6.00E-04
Head of the Weir,H^5/2 (m^5/2)

Figure 10: Graph of Discharge Q against 𝐻 5/2

Chart Title
1.0E-03
9.0E-04 y = 0.0907x - 0.0006
8.0E-04 R² = 0.8946
Discharge,Q (m3/s)

7.0E-04
6.0E-04
5.0E-04
4.0E-04
3.0E-04
2.0E-04
1.0E-04
0.0E+00
0.006 0.008 0.010 0.012 0.014 0.016 0.018
Head of the Weir,H^5/2 (m^3/2)

Figure 11: Graph of Discharge Q against 𝐻 3/2

Table 3: Coefficient of discharge for each weir by using slope of graph Q vs 𝐻 𝑥

Types of notch Coefficient of Discharge (Cd)

Rectangular Notch 0.345754228

Triangular-V Notch 0.71394

Trapezoidal (Cippoletti)
0.30715
Notch

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CONCLUSIONS
In this experiment the discharge and coefficient of discharge was measured through using the
rectangular notch, triangular-v notch, trapezoidal (Cippoletti) notch, and linear notches. The
coefficient of discharge (Cd) was estimated once from the ratio of actual discharge to theoretical
discharge. And then again estimated the coefficient of discharge by plotting the graphs between
discharge and head of 𝐻 3/2 , 𝐻 5/2 , 𝐻 3/2 for the rectangular notch, triangular-v notch, and
trapezoidal (Cippoletti) notches, respectively. The Cd was obtained by 0.34575, 0.71394, 0.30715
from the rectangular, triangular-v, and trapezoidal (Cippoletti) notches, respectively. Furthermore,
during the experiment the maximum and minimum discharge was estimated by 8.00E-04 m3/sec
and 1.67E-04 m3/sec, respectively.
Furthermore, from the discharge and head graphs for all weirs, it shows that the discharge is
increases with increasing the head. At the discharge of 1.67E-04 m3/sec the triangular weir and
linear weir have a head above the bottom of weir by 0.011 m and 0.013 m corresponding, with the
16.67% percentage difference. At the maximum Q 8.00E-04 m3/sec, the H of weir was found to
be for the linear, rectangular, triangular (V), and Trapezoidal by 0.065m, 0.062, 0.048m, 0.045m,
and respectively. Additionally, from the obtained results of figure 6 are accepted. The maximum
discharge obtained under the lowest H by 0.48m in the triangular weir, which is revealed that the
triangular weir is more effective than the other weirs for the purpose of discharge.

REFERENCES
[1] Kundu, Pijush K.; Cohen, Ira M. (2008), Fluid Mechanics (4th revised ed.), Academic Press
2)
[2]. https://www.slideshare.net/minhalhaider3/weirs.
[3]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weir#Flow_measurement.
[4]. Hamilton Smith, 1886, Hydraulics, the Flow of Water Through Orifices, Over Weirs, and
Through Open Conduits and Pipes.
APPENDIX
Table 1: Flow rate and measured depth raw data

Trapezoidal (Cippoletti)
Rectangular Notch Triangular-V Notch Linear notch
Notch

Flow rate (Q) Depth Flow rate (Q) Depth Flow rate (Q) Depth Flow rate (Q) Depth

Liter/min cm Liter/min cm Liter/min cm Liter/min cm

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 48 13.2 48 11.5 48 13.4 48 13.5

40 12.5 40 9.5 40 12.5 40 11.5

30 12 30 8.8 30 12.1 30 10.3

20 11.7 20 8.1 20 11.7 20 9.1

10 11.5 10 7.8 10 11.5 10 8.3

Table 2: Dimensions of used weirs (raw data)

Trapezoidal (Cippoletti)
Rectangular Notch Triangular-V Notch Linear notch
Notch

Datum reading Datum reading Datum

7
(cm) Datum reading (cm) 6.7 (cm) 7 reading (cm) 7

b (cm) 10
width of width (cm) 8
10 a (cm) 13
rectangle (cm) 2𝜃 (degree) 61.8
𝜃 (degree) 14

Calculation of Cd by using slope for Rectangular, Triangular and Trapezoidal weir

Calculation of Cd for Calculation of Cd for Triangular Calculation of Cd for

Rectangular weir weir Trapezoidal (Cippoletti)
weir
𝑄𝑇 𝑅𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝜃 = 30.9 °
2 3
8 5 𝜃 = 14 °
= 𝐶𝑑 𝐵√2𝑔 𝐻 2 𝑄𝑇 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 = 𝐶𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃√2𝑔 𝐻 2
3 15 𝑄𝑇 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑧𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑙
Slope from the graph (Figure- Slope from the graph (Figure-10) = m= 2 3
9) = m= y = 0.1021 = 𝐶𝑑 𝐵√2𝑔 𝐻 2
y = 1.0094 3
2 Slope from the graph (Figure-
Slope =m= 𝐶𝑑 3 𝐵√2𝑔 Slope =m= 𝐶𝑑
8
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃√2𝑔
15 11) = m= y = 0.0907
31 1 15 1 1 2
𝐶𝑑 = 𝑚 𝐶𝑑 = 𝑚 Slope =m= 𝐶𝑑 3 𝐵√2𝑔
2 𝐵 √2𝑔 8 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 √2𝑔
3 1 1 31 1
𝐶𝑑 = 0.1021 15 1 1 𝐶𝑑 = 𝑚
2 0.1 √2 ∗ 9.81 𝐶𝑑 = 1.0094 2 𝐵 √2𝑔
8 𝑡𝑎𝑛30.9 √2 ∗ 9.81
𝐶𝑑 = 0.345754228 3 1 1
𝐶𝑑 = 0.71394 𝐶𝑑 = 0.0907
2 0.1 √2 ∗ 9.81
𝐶𝑑 = 0.30715

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