Evaluation of Submergence Limit and Head Loss in Flow Measuring Flumes Using Flow-3d Predictive Modeling

Abstract

Abstract Flow measurement is an important aspect of water management. Flumes are proven to be an effective method of measuring flow in channels. The accuracy of these flumes is dependent on the produced flume flow submergence ratio, limit, and head loss which are difficult to measure in the field. The aim of this manuscript was to evaluate the use of CFD platform FLOW-3D software for measuring these parameters in an experimental flume with flow rates of 0.112, 0.169, and 0.320 m^3/s named Flow 1, Flow 2, Flow 3 using CFD design of a flume with an elevated downstream bottom. FLOW-3D software was calibrated using published experimental (R^2 > 0.98 and RMSE < 1.5 cm). Submergence limit was measured at 0.21, 0.24, and 0.25, for Flow 1, Flow 2, and Flow 3, respectively. The maximum head loss when the submergence ratio exceeded its limit was measured at 32.5% for Flow 1.