EXPERIMENT : - 3

EXPERIMENT Calibration of a V Notch

THEORY

Sharp crested V-notch or weir is a common flow measuring device (Figure FM1.1).

Figure FM1.1 A typical application of V-notch in field

A triangular (V) notch allows the water to flow over it under a head H. to calculate the rate of flow
Q for a notch angle, , the expression given below is used (Figure FM1.2)

Figure FM1.2. V-Notch parameters

Qt = 8 /15 2 g tan 2 H 5 / 2 … … … … … … (1)

Where, Qt is the theoretical value of flow rate when velocity of approach is negligible. The actual
discharge Qa may be given as

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 Qa = 8 /15Cd 2 g tan 2 H 5/ 2 … … … … … … (2)

Where, Cd is the coefficient of discharge

In practice a particular notch is calibrated for exponent n to head H which may not exactly be
equal to 5/2, that is, 2.5. The general expression is written as:
Q = CH n … … … … … … (3)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate constants C and n for the given V notch.

APPARATUS

Stop watch, Water level indicator gage, scale, measuring tank.

PROCEDURE

1. Open the valve to start the water supply.

2. Record the reading H0 on indicator gage when the water level reaches the notch crest.

3. Increase the flow rate. When the indicator gage reading over the three-five minutes
interval remains constant the steady state is established. Record the reading H.

4. Measure the flow rate by collecting water for a time interval t in the collecting tank.

5. Repeat from step3 onwards till maximum head over notch is reached.

DATA SHEET

Notch angle = ……90º…………

Measuring Tank: Length = 586mm

Width = 386mm

Area (A) = …………………

Head over notch = H’ - Ho =

hi , hf - initial and final water levels in the tank

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SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

Reading no.= ………………

h = …………….

Qa = …………….

Also Q = CH n or, ln Q = ln C + n ln H

i.e., Y = K + nX

OBSERVATION TABLE

Experi hi hf h t Qa H’ H Cd
ment

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ASSIGNMENT

1. Plot Q Vs H on a log-log paper and determine C and n graphically.

2. Calculate n and C by the method of least squares and compare with results of 1. (Accuracy
in calculations is important).

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ASSIGNMENT (continued)

2. If n = 2.5, plot the variation Cd with H

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 DISCUSSION

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