Flow discharge measurement by a linear width contraction device

Abstract

In this paper, the outflow process of a linear width contraction device for a free-flow condition is modeled using the dimensional analysis and the incomplete self-similarity condition. The proposed theoretical stage-discharge relationship is tested using measurements available in the literature. The proposed power stage-discharge equation is characterized by a value of the exponent close to 2 and a coefficient depending on the angle of the device sides with the channel bank. The proposed flume is characterized by simple construction, easy installation, low cost, and a good accuracy of the measured discharge (errors in the estimate ranging from − 3.84 to 1.9%). The deduced stage-discharge equation is characterized by errors in the estimate of discharge lower than or equal to ± 3% for 93.7% of the investigated cases. The main result of this paper is a stage-discharge relationship giving an accurate estimate of discharge but, at the same time, having the advantage of working regardless of the discharge coefficient estimate.