Flow characteristics of rectangular broad-crested weirs with sloped upstream face

Abstract

The hydraulc characteristics of flow over rectangular broad-crested weirs with varying upstream slopes were experimentally studied. A series of laboratory experiments was performed to investigate the effects of changing upstream slopes from 90° to 75°, 60°, 45°, 30°, 22.5°, 15°, and 10° on the flow surface pattern, discharge coefficient values, approach velocity profile and flow separation zone. In addition, a new mathematical relationship for water surface profile and a new correction factor to estimate discharge coefficient over weirs with various upstream slopes were introduced. The results showed decreasing upstream slopes from 90° to 10° leading to increasing discharge coefficient values and dissipation of the separation zone.