Submerged Flow Characteristics of Throatless Flume

Abstract

The submerged flow discharge characteristics of throatless flumes are derived on the basis of a semi‐empirical analysis. A pressure correction factor is determined experimentally to account for the non‐hydrostatic pressure distribution at the throat section of the flume which acts as a control. This factor is incorporated in the governing equation which is developed on the basis of momentum principles. Both the present and the previously published experimental data are used to validate the expressions developed for the discharge passing through the flume. The data are presented as design charts which can be used to determine the discharge passing through the flume for free flow and submerged flow conditions. Under free flow conditions, considerable head losses occur in the expanding section of the flume. Consequently, if conservation of head is an important criteria, the use of the throatless flume under submerged flow conditions is recommended.