Experiment No.

-03
OBJECTIVE- To determine the coefficient of discharge of a Broad-Crested Weir and to
plot the flow profile over a broad crested weir.
Theory- A weir is a device used for measurement of flow in open channels and rivers. It
is nothing but a partial obstruction placed across the flow in the channel causing the
liquid to backup, upstream of the obstruction, and then flows over it. When the liquid
flows over the weir the depth of flow above the crest level of the weir bears a
relationship with the discharge over it. Thus the discharge through an open channel can
be obtained by measurement of a single parameter i.e., the head of liquid above the
crest of the weir.
A weir is said to be broad crested if its crest spans all the way across the width of the
channel and has substantial crest length along the direction of flow. The length of the
crest should be greater than three times the maximum head under which the weir is to
oprate, so as to ensure that the streamlines become parallel to the surface of the crest
and the underside of the nappe adheres to the weir even throughout its length. The
upstream edge of the weir is well rounded to prevent the separation of flow and eddy
formation so as to minimize the loss of energy.
Fig. shows a broad crested weir. Let 1 and 2 be the upstream and downstream ends of
the weir respectively.

Discharge over a broad crested weir can be calculated using the following formula:
Q=C d 1.705 L H 3 /2 m3 /s
Where,
L=effective length of the weir crest
H= head of water in the upstream side of the weir
Cd

= co-efficient of discharge

General form of the equation

Q=C d C H 3 /2 m3 / s
Q=K H 3 /2 m3 / s
Where,
K=

CdC

C=1.705L and is constant for a weir.

Experimental Set-Up- The setup of a recirculating and tilting rectangular flume. The
upstream end of the flume is deep to dissipate the excess energy of the flowing water
and the entrance is rounded so as to minimize the separation of the flow. To maintain
uniform flow, a gate is provided at the end of the flume. Water is supplied to the flume
through a supply pipe fitted to a rectangular tank by a centrifugal pump coupled to a
motor. A supply valve and an orifice-meter are provided in the supply pipe line for
regulating and measuring the discharge, respectively. A perforated wave suppressor
may be used to dampen surface disturbances.
Experimental procedure

Measure the length (L), width (B) and height (Z) of the broad crested weir.
Place the broad crested weir in the channel.
Open by pass valve.
Start water supply by pump.
Open flow control valve and close by pass valve slowly up to desired flow for
experiment. Let the flow stabilize and allow the water level to become constant.
Release air from manometer using air releasing valves providing on the
manometer.
Starting from a section upstream of the weir, move along the length of the weir in
the

downstream

direction

measuring

the

water

surface

'
( YX )

and

corresponding distance from the upstream section (x) at different points right
upto a section some distance downstream of the weir. Keep the interval between
successive points sufficiently small so as to obtain the correct water surface
profile.
Note down the readings.
Locate a section upstream of the weir (4 to 5 times the head) where the water
surface level has no curvature, and take the water surface level reading (H).
Repeat the experiment for different flow rate by control valve and by pass valve.

Observation & calculations:

DATA
Area of Orifice a0

1.96103 m 2

Width of channel B= 0.30 m

For discharge measurement-

3 2
Area of pipe ap 5.0210 m

Co-efficient of discharge

C d=0.67

Run
No.

Manometer reading
Left
limb(h1)

H=(h2-h1)12.6

Discharge Q

Right
limb(h2)

1
2
3
Formula for discharge measurement,
a a
Q=C d 2o p 2 2 gH
a pa o
A Observations for water surface profile:
Pointer gauge reading corresponding to the bed level of the channel,
S. No.

Distance
x

Water surface level

y 'x

y0

Depth above the bed level

y x = y 'x y o

1
2
3
4
5
B Observations for Calibration of weir:
Pointer gauge reading corresponding to the crest level of the weir,
S.NO.

Actual
discharge

Water
H '

level

1
2
3
Graph:
Draw water surface profile over the weir.

Precaution:

H0

reading Head over the weir

H=H ' H O

=
Cd

Never run the apparatus if power supply is less than 180 volts and above 230
volts.
To prevent clogging of moving parts, run pump at least once in a fortnight.
Always use clean water.
Always keep apparatus free from dust.
Drain the apparatus completely after experimentation.