Empirical Modeling of Flow Characteristics in Suddenly Expanding Channels

Different flow characteristics namely sequent depth ratio, relative height of jump, relative energy loss, efficiency, relative length of jump and relative length of roller in suddenly expanding channel against inflow Froude number varying between 2 to 9 at different expansion ratios B1/B2 (0.4, 0.5, 0.6 and 0.8) as third variable are experimentally studied. Physical explanations of the variation of these characteristics with Froude number are discussed based on the results from experiments. Empirical models are proposed for all the six characteristics for rectangular and suddenly expanding channels using Buckingham π-method which gives quite satisfactory results when compared with other researchers result. Effectiveness of baffle blocks and sills (with different configurations) were also discussed in dissipating maximum energy. Due weightage has been given to Froude and Reynold’s number in present study as reported literature as well. As a result, baffle block and sills caused a significant improvement in sequent depth ratio by an amount of 30%, reduction in relative length of jump ratio and relative length of the roller by an amount of 38% and 37% respectively. Hence, energy dissipation increases due to appurtenances.