Viscous Thin-Film Flow Over a Round-Crested Weir

Abstract

Gravity-driven flow over a round-crested weir is analyzed for viscous flow. An equation for the entire flow profile is obtained by simplifying the equations for slowly varying film thickness, assuming a velocity profile, and integrating across the film. Solution of the resulting first order, ordinary differential equation requires a boundary condition generated at a critical point of the flow, beyond which waves cannot propagate upstream. Results for the relationship between head and flow rate are consolidated on a dimensionless master curve represented by an empirical equation.