Hydraulics and Hydrology ExperimentsOpen Channel Flow Measurement
Students will study flow in an open channel. Flow rates will be determined using various weirs and spillways and compared to flow rates determined from Venturi meter measurements. Open channel flow phenomena such as hydraulic jumps will be demonstrated.
Rainfall-Runoff Relationships for a Basin
Students will become familiar with rainfall-runoff relationships and how various basin conditions and rainfall patterns affect the runoff hydrograph. Students will measure runoff hydrographs for various rainfall patterns and basin conditions and determine the corresponding runoff/rainfall ratio
Streamflow Measurement
Students will take a field trip to a local stream and use a handheld flow meter to record river velocities at various locations along a cross-section. River discharge will be determined using these measurements and compared with real-time USGS stream gage data.
Hydrostatic Force on a Submerged Body
Students will determine the effect of hydrostatic forces acting on submerged surfaces. The hydrostatic force and center of pressure will be experimentally determined and compared to theory.
Fluid Momentum Balance
Students will become familiar with the measurement of forces developed by fluids in motion. The force produced by a water jet striking a stationary vane will be determined and compared to predictions from fluid mechanics theory.
Pressure Measurement
Students will become acquainted with techniques for the measurement of pressure, including the basic pressure-height relation. A dead weight tester will be used for gage calibration and to examine linearity and hysteresis effects.
Flow Rate Measurement
Students will become familiar with techniques used in the measurement of fluid flow rate. Proper calibration of a rotameter and the calculations necessary for a Venturi, flow nozzle, and orifice plate will be determined.
Head Loss in Piping Systems
Student will become familiar with the measurement of head loss in piping systems. The friction factor for various pipes and the loss coefficients for fittings and valves will be determined.
Centrifugal Pump
Students will study the performance of a centrifugal pump. They will become acquainted with pump characteristics such as head, net positive suction head, and brake horsepower, and how they change with flow rate.
