Development of a laboratory-scale open channel flow simulator

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
² Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, Federal University of Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria

^* Corresponding author: phillip.babalola@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

Abstract

This presents the design, construction and calibration of a laboratory-scale open-channel flow simulator to enhance the understanding of open-channel hydraulics. The simulation shows key flow behaviours, including critical flow, gradually varied flow (GVF), and the effects of channel roughness. Experimental tests were conducted to analyze flow characteristics with the Froude number ranging from 0.55 to 4.15 downstream and 0.64 to 11.50 upstream in critical flow tests. The manning's roughness coefficient varied between 0.011 and 0.038, this shows significant effect of roughness on flow conditions. Specific energy losses of up to 0.0447m were recorded in critical flow scenarios. The developed simulator serves as a valuable tool for practical learning in hydraulic engineering, offering insights into flow behaviour, energy loss, and channel roughness effects.