Lab. Exp.

10: Alternate Stages of Flow

Group Members
Cairel, Kristine
Co, Jasper
Hernandez, Jan Adrian
Lee, Adrian Christian

Date Perf.: 9/03/15

Rating:

Magdaraog, Klein
Sequitin, Camille Andrea
Yap, Michael Adrian

Objective
To classify the flow as supercritical or subcritical
To compute the Froude number, the critical depth, and the corresponding alternate depth.
Materials/Equipment
a) Metal Channel
b) Ruler
c) Marker
d) Water Container
e) Flowing Water
f) Timer
Theory
The ratio of the inertia force to gravity force is given by the expression:
v
FN = gd
FN = Froude number
v = velocity in m/s
g = acceleration due to gravity in m/s2
d = depth of flow in m
For values of FN:
FN = 1, Critical depth
FN < 1, Subcritical depth (Tranquil flow)
FN >1, Supercritical depth (Rapid shooting flow)
The critical depth dc can be computed with the formula:
dc =

q2
g

Where:
dc = critical depth
Q
q= b

Q = discharge in m3/s
b = width of channel
Sketch

Sequence of Operations
1 Prepare the equipment and materials needed for the experiment. Set the open channel
for a particular slope.
2 Open the water source and measure the average depth of the flow in the channel.
3 Collect a certain amount of water and measure the time it took to collect the water.
Consequently, measure the discharge rate of the channel with these values.
4 With the recorded values, classify the flow as supercritical or subcritical by computing
the Froudes number, and, also, determine the critical depth and the corresponding
alternate depth.
Data Gathered
d1 = 0.71 cm
d2 = 0.52 cm
d3 = 0.31 cm
dh = dave = 0.513 cm

Vol = 4.936 L
t = 43.93 sec
b = 15.8 cm

Computations
Q=

vol
time

V=

Q
A

Q=

4.936 L
43.93 s

V=

.001124
.158(.00513)

Q=0.1124 L/s
Q=0.001124

V =.1387

m3
s
Fr=

m
s

V
g dh

Fr=

.1387
9.81(.00513)

v2
E= + d
2g

Fr=0.6183

E=

Fr=0.6183<1
subcritical flow

q=

Q
b

q=

.001124
0.158

E=0.006111

q 2
d
E=
+d
2g

()

dc=

0.0007114
d
0.006111=
+d
2(9.81)

q=0.0007114

dc=

0.0013872
+0.00513
2(9.81)

d=0.002785 m

q
g

d1 =0.002785 m

0.0007114
9.81

d 2=0.005131 m
d 3=0.003723 m

dc=0.003723 m
Tabulation of Data
Group

Flow

Froude Number

Critical Depth

Alternate Depth

1
2
3
4
5

Subcritical
Subcritical
Subcritical
Subcritical
Subcritical

0.6183
0.5319
0.3127
0.3065
0.3638

0.003723 m
0.003676 m
0.003686 m
0.003864 m
0.003738 m

0.002785 m
0.002539 m
0.001975 m
0.002053 m
0.002146 m

Remarks, Hints & Precautions:

1. The water supply in the system must not be disturbed or alter to avoid erroneous data;
keep it constant as much as possible
2. In measuring dimensions, volume and time, ensure precision and minimize error.
3. Coordination between the person who collects the water that flows out and the person
assigned to measure the duration of the collection must exist.
4. Make sure to measure the volume of water collected accurately and avoid spillage while
measuring to produce accurate results.

5. In performing calculations, double checking is desirable in order to avoid miscalculations

and typographical errors.
Conclusion:
This experiment enabled us to classify the flow of water either supercritical or subcritical using the
Froude number. Having computed this hydraulic property of fluid in a channel, the flow of water with determined
slope appeared to be subcritical at Froude number of 0.6183. This property allowed us to compute for the waters
critical and alternate depth which is 0.003723 m and 0.002785 m, respectively. Using these values, the diagram of
the waters alternate stage of flow came out to have the location of hydraulic depth higher than that of the critical
depth. These data may be used in the succeeding experiments with the use of the same slope performed in the
channel.
This experiment enabled us to classify the flow of water either supercritical or subcritical
using the Froude number. Having computed this hydraulic property of fluid in a channel, the flow of
water with determined slope of channel appeared to be subcritical at Froude number of 0.6183. This
property allowed us to compute for the waters critical and alternate depth which is 0.003723 m and
0002785 m, respectively. Using these values, the diagram of the waters alternate stage of flow came
out to have the location of hydraulic depth higher than that of the critical depth. These data may be
used in the succeeding experiments at the use of the same slope performed for the channel.