ENGR 312-Laboratory 8

Force on a Sluice Gate

Objective
The objective of this lab is to experimentally determine the force of water acting
on a sluice gate and compare it to estimates based on theoretical considerations.

Theory
The force of water acting on the sluice gate (Figure 1) may be computed from the
conservation laws of mass, energy, and momentum. It will be shown in the
laboratory that the force acting on the sluice gate is given by either

Fg

By12 By 22
2

Q(v1 v2 )

(1)

or
Fg

B( y1 y 2 ) 3
2( y1 y 2 )

(2)

where B = flume width, = specific weight of water, y1 = upstream flow depth,

and y2 = downstream flow depth. Both equations assume (1) a hydrostatic
pressure distribution at the upstream and downstream channel sections, (2) the
flow is steady and the velocity distributions are uniform across the channel, and
(3) energy losses due to resistance on the channel bed and sidewalls is
negligible.

Figure 1. Force acting on a sluice gate with assumed hydrostratic pressure

distributions

Experimental Apparatus
The sluice gate model is shown in Figure 2. The vertical distance to each
pressure measurement location is shown.

Figure 2. Sluice gate model and pressure measurement locations

Experimental Procedure
1. Initial settings
a. Raise headgate to maximum opening
b. Lower tailgate completely
c. Set channel slope to 0 %
d. Install gauge carriage onto channel
e. Install point gauge onto carriage
2. Install the sluice gate model (Figure 2) in the channel section, at a
position that the manometer tubes are clearly visible from the side.
Secure with C clamps along the channel top aluminum support rails.
3. Set the sluice model gate opening to a small height above the channel
floor.
4. Start the pump(s). Adjust the flow rate valves to set a given upstream
water height in the channel.
5. Measure the pressure on the gate face by measuring and recording
the height of each water column in each manometer tube (Figure 3)
6. Repeat with a new flow rate (minimum of 3 trials)

Figure 3. Sluice gate pressure measurements

Laboratory Report
1. Measurement of the velocities before and after the gate, and compare the
results with analytical calculation.
2. Determine the total force on the sluice gate.
3. Determine the force acting on the gate using Equation 1 or 2.
4. Compare the results of the two methods with directly measured force for
each discharge. Determine which method is better, and discuss the
reason.
5. Discussion: Why is the pressure distribution not hydrostatic?

ENGR 312 Fluid Mechanics Lab

Lab #6 Data Sheet, 2012
Names and Signatures of Team Members

Flow Side
Flow Rate
Pressure Drop __________________________
Corresponding Flow Rate ______________________
Height Upstream of the Gate __________________________
Height Downstream of the Gate __________________________
Width of the Channel __________________________
Force on the Gate (scale: 0.92=1 ft)
Tip Position 1_________________ Water-Level Position 1________________
Tip Position 2_________________ Water-Level Position 2________________
Tip Position 3_________________ Water-Level Position 3________________
Tip Position 4_________________ Water-Level Position 4________________
Tip Position 5_________________ Water-Level Position 5________________
Tip Position 6_________________ Water-Level Position 6________________
Tip Position 7_________________ Water-Level Position 7________________
Tip Position 8_________________ Water-Level Position 8________________
Tip Position 9_________________ Water-Level Position 9________________
Tip Position 10_________________ Water-Level Position 10________________
Tip Position 11_________________ Water-Level Position 11________________
Tip Position 12_________________ Water-Level Position 12________________
Tip Position 13_________________ Water-Level Position 13________________
Tip Position 14_________________ Water-Level Position 14________________
Tip Position 15_________________ Water-Level Position 15________________