Author(s): B. M. Crookston; B. P. Tullis
Linked Author(s): Blake P. Tullis
Keywords: Labyrinth weir; Arced labyrinth weir; Cycle efficiency
Abstract: The experimental results of 32 physical models were used to develop a hydraulic design and analysis method for labyrinth weirs. Discharge coefficient data for quarter-round and half-round labyrinth weirs are presented for 6° ≤ sidewall angles ≤ 35°. The concept of cycle efficiency, which is representative of a per-cycle discharge, is discussed as a method for differentiating between hydraulic efficiency of various labyrinth weir geometries. The cycle efficiency increased with decrease weir sidewall angle; the 6° (smallest sidewall angle tested) produced the largest per-cycle discharge (longest cycle length tested). A comparison between labyrinth weir geometries consistent with reservoir applications (i.e., projecting linear and arced) and labyrinth weirs with similar cycle geometries in channels applications found that arced reservoir labyrinth weir was appreciably more efficient at lower upstream heads than the channel labyrinth weir counterpart. The performance of the projecting linear reservoir labyrinth weir ranged from a very modest improvement at small upstream heads to somewhat less efficient at higher upstream heads, relative to the channel counterparts.
Year: 2011