Fluid Mechanics
Rectangular Notch
1. Objective
Determination of the discharge coefficient of given rectangular notch.
2. Apparatus Required
A constant steady water supply tank (notch tank) with baffles wall, pointer gauge, collecting
tank, and rectangular notch.
3. Theory
Different types of models are available to find discharge in an open channel as notch, weir etc.
for calibration of either rectangular notch, trapezoidal notch or V-notch some flow is allowed in
the flume. Once the flow becomes steady and uniform discharge coefficients can be determine
for any models.
In general, sharp crested notch are preferred where highly accurate discharge measurements are
required, for example in hydraulic laboratories, industry and irrigation pilot schemes, which do
not carry debris and sediments.
Notches are those overflow structure whose length of crest in the direction of low is accurately
shaped. There may be rectangular, trapezoidal, V-notch etc. the rectangular notch is one of the
most precise discharge and head over the weir can be developed by making the following
assumptionsas to the flow behavior.
• Upstream of the weir, the flow is uniform and the pressure varies with depth according to the
hydrostatic equation 𝑃 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ.
• The face surface remains horizontal as far as plane of the weir, and all particles passing over
the weir move horizontally.
• The pressure throughout the sheet of liquid and neppe, which passes over the crest of the
notch is atmospheric.
• The effect of viscosity and surface tension are negligible.
• The velocity in the approach channel is negligible.
A rectangular notch, symmetrically located in a vertical thin plate, which is placed perpendicular to
the side and bottom of a straight channel, is defined as a rectangular sharp-crested notch. The
discharge coefficient Cd of a rectangular notch may be determined by applying formula.
2 3
𝑄= × 𝐶𝑑 × 𝐿 × √2𝑔 × 𝐻 ⁄2
3
Where, 𝑄 is discharge in m3/s
𝐶𝑑 is the discharge coefficient
𝑔 is acceleration due to gravity m/s2
𝐿 is notch width in m
𝐻 is head over the notch in m
4. Experimental Setup
The experiment set up consists of a tank whose inlet section is provided with 2 nos. of baffles for
stream line flow. While at the downstream portion of the tank one can fit rectangular notch,
trapezoidal notch, V notch. A tank hook gauge is used to measure the head of water over the
model. A collecting is used to find the actual discharge through the notch.
5. Procedure
• The notch under test is positioned at the end of the tank, in a vertical plane, and with the
sharp edge on the upstream side.
• The tank is filled with water up to crest level and subsequently note down the crest levels of
the notch by the help of a point gauge.
• The flow regulating value is adjusted to give the maximum possible discharge without
flooding the notch.
• Conditions are allowed to steady before the rate of discharge and head H were recorded.
• The flow rate is reduced is stage and the reading of discharge and head H were taken.
• The procedure is repeated for other type of notch.
6. Observation
• Width of Notch (𝐿) = m.
• Crest Level of trapezoidal notch 𝐻 = m.
• Area of collecting tank, 𝐴 = m2 .
7. Tabulation
S. Discharge X = X1 Head Time taken Qact 𝐶𝑑 Average
No. measurement - X2 m (h) m. for particular m3/sec 𝐶𝑑
X1 X2 of Hg of cm rise (in
H2O sec)
1
2
3
4
5
6
8. Calculations
• Cross sectional area of the collecting tank (𝐴)
𝐴 =𝐻×𝐿
𝐴= m2 .
• Actual discharge (𝑄𝐴𝑐𝑡)
𝐴×𝑦
𝑄𝐴𝑐𝑡 =
𝑡
𝑄𝐴𝑐𝑡 = m3/sec.
• Coefficient of discharge
3×𝑄
𝐶𝑑 = 3
2 × 𝐿 × √2𝑔 × 𝐻 2
Cd = .
9. Result/ Conclusion
• The average discharge coefficient Cd = .
10. Precautions
• Take the reading of discharge accurately.
• Take value of 𝐻 without any parallax error.
• Take value of 𝐿 without any parallax error.
