Abstract
Based on the flow partition theory, we derive a mathematical expression by using the log-law for the characteristic point location (CPL) of depth average velocity in channels with flat or concave boundaries. It can manifest the position of the characteristic points in the vertical direction relative to the channel side wall or bed. Taking rectangular and semi-circular channels as research objects, we put forward a method to calculate the discharge of channels with CPL. Additionally, we carried out some experiments on rectangular and semi-circular channel sections. CPL’s analytic expression is validated against experimental results through comparison of velocity and discharge. The proposed formulation of characteristic point location could be extensively employed in flow measurements of flat and concave boundary channels, which has practical application value in simplifying the flow measurement steps of open channels.
Highlights
The contradiction between the serious shortage of agricultural water resources and unreasonable utilization has been restricting the development of agricultural economy [1]
Flow measurement methods through weir-gate structures [2] and velocity–area methods are widely used in flow measurement
This study investigates a new concept of characteristic point location aimed at estimating the discharge in open channels, which is based on flow partitioning theory and the log-law
Summary
The contradiction between the serious shortage of agricultural water resources and unreasonable utilization has been restricting the development of agricultural economy [1]. Flow measurement methods through weir-gate structures [2] and velocity–area methods are widely used in flow measurement. Critical flow in open channels can be formed through two general methods: raising the bottom of the channel or contracting the cross-sectional area of the flow [3,4]. Neither of these two methods is easy to implement. Apart from measuring with weir-gate structures, the velocity–area method for calculating discharge in an open channel is considered to be reliable. Numerous researchers have proposed different forms of the velocity distribution law in order to predict flow discharge accurately
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