Code & Experiment MMB – 04: APPLICATION OF WEIR

Course/ Subject Code BFC 20601

Section 5

Experiment date 3 APRIL 2024

Group Name 6

Group Members 1. AMEEN SAEED ELTAYEB (AF230098)

2. PRIYADARSHINI A/P SARAVANAN (AF230082)

3. HUVIN RAJA A/L LOGESWARAN (CF230102)

4. NUR AFIQAH BINTI ROZMAN (DF230008)

5. MOHD SYAHIR ZAHIN BIN GALTANI (CF230211)

Lecturer/ Instructor/ 1. Dr Wan Afnizan Bin Wan Mohamed

Tutor name 2. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ariff Bin Ahmad Nazri

Submission Date

CLO 1: Report/Presentation/ 25%

Team work
Marks
CLO 2: Report/ Presentation/ 37.5%
Team work

CLO 2: Report/ Presentation/ 37.5%

Team work

Received Stamp TOTAL

Examiner Comments
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CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………….…..9
1.1 Objectives…………………………………………………………………….….9
1.2 Assumptions……………………………………………………………………..9
1.3 Limitations……………………………………………………………………...10
2.0 Theory…………………………………………………………………………………..10
2.1 Flow through Rectangular Notch Weir…………………………………………10
2.2 Flow through V-shaped Notch Weir…………………………………………….12
3.0 Methodology…………………………………………………………………………….13
3.1 Apparatus………………………………………………………………………..13
3.2 Procedure………………………………………………………………………..14
4.0 Results…………………………………………………………………………………...15
4.1 Rectangular Notch Weir…………………………………………………………16
4.2 V- Shaped Notch Weir…………………………………………………………...17
5.0 Discussion………………………………………………………………………………..20
6.0 Conclusions………………………………………………………………………………20
7.0 References………………………………………………………………………………..21

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
A weir is a barrier across the width of a river or stream that alters the characteristics of the
flow and usually results in a change in the height of the water level. Several types of weirs are
designed for application in natural channels and laboratory flumes. Weirs can be broad-crested,
short-crested, or sharp-crested. Sharp-crested weirs, commonly referred to as notches, are
manufactured from sharp-edged thin plates. The relationship between the flow rate and water
depth above the weir can be derived by applying the Bernoulli’s equation and by making some
assumptions with regard to head loss and pressure distribution of the flow passing over the weir.
For the experiment, two separate weirs were used. A Rectangular weir and a V-Notch/Triangular
weir. Each weir was recorded at different water levels. Recording the height of the weir plate,
PW, Datum height, ho, the volume, ∀, the duration it took to collect said water, t, and the length
of the opening for a rectangular pier, b, and the angle for V-Notch weirs, θ. These values allow
for the calculations of the flow rate and discharge coefficient based on the varying water levels

1.1. Objectives
The objectives of this experiment are to :
a. Determine the characteristics of flow over a rectangular and a V-shaped notch weir,
b. Investigate the relationship between flow rate Q and H for both rectangular and V notch
weir, then develop the flow rating curve. and
c. Determine the value of the discharge coefficient for both notches.

1.2. Assumptions
Several assumptions were made for this experiment, as below:
a. The flow rate over the weir is accurate
b. The pressure head is assumed to be zero.
c. The height of the water level above weir crest is H.
d. There is no contraction.
e. The average flow velocity over the weir crest is almost horizontal.
f. Head loss is neglected.
g. Flow pressure distribution of the flow over weir is neglected.
h. Velocity, 𝑉 is uniform and parallel.

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1.3. Limitations
To account for the drawdown effect in weir flow, where the water level decreases just before
flowing over the crest, it is important to measure the head at a point located at a minimum
distance of 3 to 4 times the elevation head from the crest. Additionally, the minimum height of
the crest should be at least 2 to 3 times the elevation head relative to the channel bottom.
In the case of broad-crested weirs, it is essential to consider the relative magnitudes between the
length of the weir and the weir head. We'll also find serious limitations on head limits as they can
be no more than 2 feet when working with a V-notch weir. Rectangular weirs have a bit more
leeway, though, with a head limit of 5 feet. The most influential disadvantage, however, is the
required maintenance compared to flumes.

2.0 Theory
Weirs are hydraulic constructions that feature a particular form of aperture or notch that placed
over a water channel. The water level will rise as a result of the weir structure, and this will be
measured. Studies were carried out to evaluate the flow through both different shapes of notch of
weir using the Bernoulli’s theory. The water level to discharge connections are given for a
standard-shaped aperture or notches. The rectangular notch and the V-shaped notch are the two
most common form of weirs, which will be analyzed in this experiment..

2.1 Flow through Rectangular Notch Weir

In order to evaluate the flow into an instrument with the height δh at the depth h below the
water’s surface, the water flow need to be parallel to the weir plane and that the free surface
maintains horizontal up to the weir plane, so that it can be derived by using equations below:

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 Velocity through an element, V = √2gh
Theoretical discharge through the element, δQ = V ∙ dA
= √2gh ∙ B δh
where B = width of the weir
by integrating the above equation to obtain total discharge between h = 0 and h = H
𝐻 1

Qtheo = 2𝑔 B∫ℎ 2 𝑑ℎ
0

Therefore, total theoretical discharge,

3
2
Qtheo = 3 2𝑔B𝐻 2

It is believed that the discharge from a rectangular notch will be much smaller, approximately
60% of the estimated theoretical value due to curvature effects. Therefore, a coefficient of
discharge, Cd should be included to calculate the actual flow rate, as below:

Qact. = CdQtheo.
3
2
Qact. =𝐶𝑑 3 2𝑔𝐵𝐻 2

Where;
Q act = Actual flow rate
Q theo = Theoretical flow rate
𝐶𝑑 = discharge coefficient

g = gravitational accelerationB=width of the weir

H = height of water level above weir crest

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2.2 FLOW THROUGH V-SHAPED NOTCH WEIR

Consider an element of height δh at a depth h

θ
Breadth of element, B = 2(H − h) tan 2

Hence, area of element, A = 2(H − h) tan θ δh

Velocity through element, V = 2𝑔ℎ

Theoretical discharge through element, δQ = V ∙ dA
θ
= √2gh ∙ 2(H − h) tan 2 δh

By integrating the above equation to obtain the total discharge between h = 0 and h = H

𝐻 1 3

2𝑔 ∫⎡⎢𝐻ℎ 2 − ℎ 2 ⎤⎥dh
θ
Qtheo. = 2 tan 2
0⎣ ⎦
5
8 θ
Qtheo.= 15
tan 2
2𝑔𝐻 2

Then, a coefficient of discharge Cd is included in the formula as below:

5
8 θ
Qact..=𝐶𝑑 15 tan 2 2𝑔𝐻 2

where;
Q = flow rate,
Cd = discharge coefficient
g = gravitational acceleration

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θ = angle of triangular weir (V-notch)
H = height of water level above weir crest

The relationship between Qact. and Qtheo. is

Qact. = Cd ∙ Qtheo.

Therefore,

3.0. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Apparatus
a) Hydraulic bench
b) Rectangular notch weir
c) V-shaped notch weir
d) Water splitter
e) Delivery nozzle
f) Stilling baffle
g) Stopwatch

Figure 3.1.1: Rectangular Notch Plate Figure 3.1.2: V-shaped Notch Plate

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3.2 Procedure
1. The hydraulic bench pump is connected to the power supply.
2. The measurement of the rectangular and V-shaped notch plate is labeled on the plate at 1 cm
interval.
3. The rectangular notch plate is installed into the hydraulic bench.
4. The pump was switched on to allow the water flow into the channel.
5. The collection tank drain valve is left opened.
6. The pump was adjusted until it reached the height of the water level labeled on the plate, as
shown in figure 3.2.1. The stability of the flow is checked and the water level is recorded.
7. The collection tank drain valve is closed to let the water accumulate up to 5 liters, and the time
for the water level to reach 5 liters will be recorded.
8. The valve is opened to let the water flow out back to the sump tank.
9. Repeat steps 6 to 8 with different heights of water level and results are recorded in the result
table.
10. The rectangular notch is then replaced with a V-shaped notch plate.
11. Repeat step 3 to step 9 with a V-shaped notch plate, and results are recorded in the result
table.

Figure 3.2.1

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4.0 RESULTS
4.1 RECTANGULAR NOTCH WEIR

Figure 5.1.1: Schematic diagram of rectangular notch weir with width B=0.08m

H (m) V (𝑚 )
3 T (s) 𝑄𝑒𝑥𝑝 3 3
H 2 (m 2 ) 𝐶𝑑 𝑄𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜
−4 3 3
(10 𝑚 /s) (𝑚 /s)

0.010 0.005 110.68 0.452 0.00100 0.0191 0.002362

0.020 0.005 28.99 1.725 0.00283 0.2578 0.000669

0.030 0.005 17.43 2.869 0.00520 0.2336 0.001228

0.040 0.005 13.20 3.788 0.00800 0.2004 0.001890

0.050 0.005 8.21 6.090 0.01118 0.2306 0.002641

Table 5.1.1 : Data of Rectangular Notch Weir

By using the formula Q= V/T, the experimental flow rate Qexp was calculated and recorded in
tab;e 4.1.1.
Example of calculation for 0.0010m:
0.005
𝑄𝑒𝑥𝑝= 110.68
−5
=4.518× 10
By using the formula
3
2
𝑄𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜= 3 2𝑔𝐵𝐻 2

For example, when H=0.010m, g= 9.81 and B=0.08,

2
𝑄𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜= 3 2(9. 81)(0.08)(0.00100)
−4
= 2.362×10

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 𝑄 𝑒𝑥𝑝
By using the formula 𝐶𝑑= 𝑄 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 , the discharge coefficient 𝐶𝑑 was calculated and recorded in

table 4.1.1.
H =0.010m,
−5
4.518×10
𝐶𝑑= −4
2.362×10

= 0.1913
3
A graph of flow rate Q in relationship with H 2 was generated as shown in figure 5.1.2, which

the gradient generated can be used to calculate theoretical value of discharge coefficient,
𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜,

\
By using the law of gradient, y= mx+c, the gradient of graph 5.1.2 can be calculate as below:
3
2
Q= (𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 3 2𝑔𝐵)𝐻 + C 2

Hence
2
Gradient, m = 𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 3 2𝑔𝐵

Example on calculation of 𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜:

When m= 0.000133
2
m= 𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 3 2𝑔𝐵
2
0.000133 =𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 3 2(9. 81)(0. 08)

𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜= 0.000563

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In order to calculate the percentage error between the theoretical and experimental of discharge
coefficient, few calculation were involved:
The average of 𝐶𝑑 was calculated:
0.0191+ 0.2578+ 0.00520+ 0.008+ 0.01118
𝐶𝑑= 5

=0.0603
𝐶𝑑𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜
Percentage error = 𝐶𝑑𝑒𝑥𝑝
✕ 100%

0.000563
= 0.0603
✕100%

= 0.934%

4.2 V-SHAPED NOTCH WEIR

Figure 5.2.1: Schematic diagram of V-shaped notch weir with width B=0.09m and 85° angle.

H (m) 3
V (𝑚 ) T (s) 𝑄𝑒𝑥𝑝 5 5
H 2 (m 2 ) 𝐶𝑑 𝑄𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜
−5 3 3
(10 𝑚 (𝑚 /s)
/s)

0.010 0.005 180.12 2.7759 1✕10

−5 1.2851 0.216

0.015 0.005 66.33 7.5381 2.7557✕10

−5 1.2627 0.597

0.020 0.005 65.48 7.6359 5.6569 0.6233 1.225

−5
✕10

0.025 0.005 18.22 27.4424 9,8821✕10

−5 1.2830 2.139

0.030 0.005 10.43 47.9386 1.5588✕10

−5 1.4208 3.374

Table 5.2.1 : Data of V-shaped Notch Weir

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By using the formula Q= V/T, the experimental flow rate Qexp was calculated and recorded in
tab;e 5.2.1.
Example of calculation for 0.010m:
0.005
𝑄𝑒𝑥𝑝= 180.12
−5
=2.775×10

8 θ 5
By using the formula𝑄𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜= 15 tan 2 2𝑔𝐻 2 , the theoretical flow rate 𝑄𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 was calculated and

recorded in table 5.2.1.

For example, when H=0.010m,
5
8 θ
𝑄𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜= 15
𝑡𝑎𝑛 2
2𝑔𝐻 2

8 85 −5
= 15 𝑡𝑎𝑛 2
2(9. 81)(1× 10 )
−5
=2.165× 10
𝑄 𝑒𝑥𝑝
By using the formula 𝐶𝑑= 𝑄 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 , the discharge coefficient 𝐶𝑑 was calculated and recorded in

table 5.2.1.
H =0.010m,
−5
2.775×10
𝐶𝑑= −5
2.165×10

=1.2818
3
A graph of flow rate Q in relationship with H 2 was generated as shown in figure 5.2.2, which

the gradient generated can be used to calculate theoretical value of discharge coefficient, 𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜,

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By using the law of gradient, y= mx+c, the gradient of graph 5.2.2 can be calculate as below:
3
8 θ
Q= (𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 15 𝑡𝑎𝑛 2
2𝑔)𝐻 2 + C

Hence
8 θ
Gradient, m = 𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 15 𝑡𝑎𝑛 2
2𝑔

Example on calculation of 𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜:

When m= 0.00011
2
m= 𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 3 2𝑔𝐵
2
0.00011 =𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜 3 2(9. 81)(0. 08)

𝐶𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜= 0.000466

In order to calculate the percentage error between the theoretical and experimental of discharge
coefficient, few calculation were involved:
The average of 𝐶𝑑 was calculated:
1.2851+1.2627+0.6233+1.2830+1.4208
𝐶𝑑= 5

=1.17498
𝐶𝑑𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜
Percentage error = 𝐶𝑑𝑒𝑥𝑝
✕ 100%

0.000466
= 1.17498
✕100%

= 0.0397%

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5.0 DISCUSSIONS
Both shapes of notch weirs, the discharge coefficient Cd decreases when the height of water
level increases. This might be due to the surface tension of water which causing the resistance in
the flow of water toward the notch. By comparing both shapes, the discharge coefficient of
rectangular notch weir is higher than V-shaped. This can be explained by rectangular notch has a
larger surface area which allows greater flow rate than the V-shaped, leading higher volume of
water passing through.

Besides that, we discovered that the rectangular notch weir has a small percentage error of
0.934% compared to the V-shaped notch weir with a percentage error of 0.0397%. There were
certain errors being made during this experiment which possibly affected the outcome. Firstly,
systemic error such as the thickness of weirs is insufficient for the size of hydraulic bench, which
causes excess water to flow through the gap despite filled up with plasticine. This induces an
inconsistency in discharge flow and uneven velocity of distribution throughout the flow.
Moreover, parallax error can be made during the experiment. For example, when reading the
value, the sight level is not perpendicular to the water level, hence affecting the accuracy of the
exact result. Last but not least, the flow velocity at lower water level was low, affecting the
imperfection of streamline and making it difficult to achieve a value readings, yet affecting the
accuracy of results.

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6.0 CONCLUSION
In this experiment, we can conclude that the smooth flow over the weir is required to estimate
correct flow rate because the distribution of velocity on the approach flow influences the
discharge over the weir. The discharge coefficient, 𝐶𝑑 decreases when the high of water level
increases. When the flow rate is too low, it adheres to the notch and runs down it. The changes in
discharge coefficient are due to the viscosity of water and the friction of the notch's surface in
addition to gravity. The application of weir with varies shape such as rectangular and triangular
(V notch) can helps to measure or control the flow in rivers, streams, irrigation canals,

7.0 REFERENCES
Practical Engineering (2019). What is a Weir?
https://practical.engineering/blog/2019/3/9/what-is-a-weir?msclkid=fa58c930d04711ec942a37ad
fe283350

Ahmari, H. (2019, August 14). Experiment #9: Flow Over Weirs – Applied Fluid Mechanics
Lab Manual. Pressbooks.
https://uta.pressbooks.pub/appliedfluidmechanics/chapter/experiment-9/

Hanafi, A. (2020, January 14). CHE241 Fluid Mechanics- Lab Report Flow Over Weirs.
Academia Edu.
https://www.academia.edu/41629787/CHE241_Fluid_Mechanics_Lab_Report_Flow_
Over_Weirs

H H Alwan and F M Al-Mohammed. (2018). Discharge coefficient for rectangular notch

using a dimensional analysis technique. IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 433 012015.

Haib Ahmri and Ahah Md Imran Kabir (20). Applied Fluid Mechanics Lab Manual
https://uta.pressbooks.pub/appliedfluidmechanics/chapter/experiment-9/

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