International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, ISSN: 2394-2827 Volume-5, Issue-2, Apr.

-2018
http://iraj.in

EVOLUTION OF VELOCITY AND PRESSURE FIELD IN STEPPED

CHANNEL
1
BOUTASSOUNA KHEIRA, 2DJAID NAIMA, 3GAFSI MOSTEFA, 4GAHMANI AHMED

Laboratory Research of Water Resources, Soil and EnvironmentDepartment of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology
Amar Telidji
University ; Adress : Boulevard of the Martyrs P.O. Box 37.G, Laghouat 03000, Algeria.
E-mail: 1b.boutassouna@yahoo.fr, 2djaid.dz@yahoo.fr, 3msgafsi@yahoo.fr, 4hydroahmed@hotmail.fr

Abstract- Thenappe flow regime is divided into three sub-types, characterized by the formation or absence of hydraulic
jumps on the bed of the stairs. The skimming flow regime is sub-divided considering the geometry of the steps and the flow
conditions that lead to different configurations of the flow fields near the steps.
For this, we have made an experimental approach in the laboratory of civil engineering at the University of Laghouat
(Algeria), in three (03) models: model A (4cm x 7.5cm 4cmx) and model B (8cm x 7.5cm 8cmx), and the third model C size
(12cm x 12 cm x 7.5 cm) developed "Plexiglas." Three slopes were studied in this experiment:  = 20 °, 30 ° and  =  = 45
° for the three models, with flow rates ranging from q = 0.96 l / s / ml up to q = 33.02 l / s / ml.
The purpose of this experimental study is to show the evolution of the velocity profiles in the cross sections of the flows, and
pressure variations in the three studied models.
The analysis of our results led us to conclude that, The result obtained in the model B and C where the flow is in nappe flow;
the pressure field increases in horizontally steps and decreases in vertically steps; this is due to the effect of the impact of the
flow on the step; and against the pressure in step is below atmospheric pressure (vacuum). Furthermore, the speeds increase
significantly with increasing rate of flow and accelerated more than one moves downstream; In the last, for the skimming
flow, longitudinal flow velocity distribution is nearly constant which is shown in the uniform area flow.

Keywords- Nappe flow, Pressure, Skimming flow, Stepped channel, Velocity.

I. INTRODUCTION studied in this experiment:  = 20 °, 30 ° and  =  =

45 ° for the three models, with flow rates ranging
During the last 3 decades, researchers on the from q = 0.96 l / s / ml up to q = 33.02 l / s / ml.
hydraulics of stepped spillways have been very active The purpose of this experimental study is to show the
(Chanson 2001). In a given stepped chute, water evolution of the velocity profiles in the cross sections
flows as a succession of free-falling nappes (nappe of the flows, and pressure variations in the three
flow regime) at small discharges. For an intermediate studied models.
range of flow rates, a transition flow regime is The analysis of our results led us to conclude that:
also observed (Chanson 2006; Toombes and Chanson The results obtained show that in the model Band C
2008). Most prototype spillways operate at large where the flow is in nape flow; the pressure field
discharges per unit width, and the water skims as a increases in horizontally steps and decrease in
coherent stream over a pseudobottom formed by step vertically steps; this is due to the effect of the impact
edges. The skimming flows are characterized by of the flow on the step; and against the pressure in
significant losses and momentum transfers from the step is below atmospheric pressure(vacuum).
main stream to the recirculation zones [8]-[23]. The speeds increase significantly with increasing rate
Reference [21] shows performed an experimental of flow and accelerated more than one moves down
study using a stepped gabion weir and suggested that stream (skimming flow).
it improved energy dissipation. For the skimming flow, longitudinal flow velocity
distribution is nearly constant, which is shown in the
Several research models have distinguished area uniform flow.
themselves in the field of flow in channels stairs,
among the most recent works are Benmamar[1], II. PHYSICAL MODEL
Kerbache and Benmamar ([16].[17],[18],[19]), Gafsi
and Benmamar([12].[13],[14],[15]), and the most The stepped channels model, on which the
popular are those of Chanson experimental tests have been performed, is located in
([2].[3],[4],[5][6].[7],[8],[9],[10]). the laboratory of civil engineering at the University of
Laghouat (Algeria),
For this, we have made an experimental approach in The experimental device consists of:
the laboratory ofcivil engineeringat the University A flume made of Plexiglas length 5m, width 0.075 m,
ofLaghouat (Algeria), in three (03) models:modelA and height of the walls is 0.175 m (see figure 1).
(4cm x7.5cm4cmx) andmodelB (8cm x7.5cm8cmx), A metal catchment connected to the glass by a pipe
andthe third modelCsize(12cm x 12cmx carrying water pumped by a pump channel. This pipe
7.5cm)developed"Plexiglas". Three slopes were has a valve for controlling the flow (see figure 1).

Evolution of Velocity and Pressure Field in Stepped Channel

77
 International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, ISSN: 2394-2827 Volume-5, Issue-2, Apr.-2018
http://iraj.in
A channel model stairs made "Plexiglas." This pattern Withh" = h '+ V2/2g, and L: length of the
is connected to the glass channel seals, and mastic weirwallthickrounded ridge(L =15cm)
sealing installation. The tests on thepresent studyexaminethe variation
inthe flowby settingthe slope of
A sump plastic for recycling the water to the supply thechannel.Thesimulated flowsrange
conduit by PVC (gravity flow) basin, our system thus from0.072l/sto2.569l/s.
making a closed circuit. In this study, the measuring stepwas performed
asfollows:
For one slope of thechannelfixed,
thevalvefeedingchannelis opened, and we varythe
flow.
Fora given flow rate, thewater depths, pressures and
velocitieswere measured.Once thesemeasurements,
we change thechannel slopeandrepeated thesame
patternofaction.

Fig. 1 Experimental device.[14;15].

Experimental studieswere conducted onthree (03)

modelsstairsdeveloped"Plexiglas."
The model "A"consists of channeltotalingtwenty(20)
stepsofconstantsize (the height of
thestepequalsh=4cm, and its lengthequal tol =4 cm.
The model "B"consists of channeltotalingten (10)
steps ofconstantsize (the height of thestepequals
h=8cm, and its lengthequal tol =8 cm). Fg. 2 Determination of flow coefficient Cd.[14;15].
The model "C"consists of channeltotalingseven (07)
ofconstantsize (the height of thestepequalsh=12cm,
and its lengthequal tol =12 cm).

A. Measurement of water levels

Water depthswere measuredbythe visual integrationof
the averagelevelrulegraduatedgluedon one
sidemodels, andwithapeaklevel meter(in the case
wherethe water lineis disturbed).

B. Measurement of pressure levels

Thepressure measurementwasperformed Fg. 3 Velocity measurement with Pitot tube [14;15].
usingtappressure, as fixed onthetwo sidesof the steps
Figure. 1) The tests on thepresent studyexaminethe variation
The pressure values have been recorded by means of inthe flowby settingthe slope of
piezometers pressure probes,whichare placed thechannel.Thesimulated flowsrange
atmidpoints of thefacesof the stepsandare connected from0.072l/sto2.569l/s.
to apressure gauge(Figure. 1).
D. Measurement of velocity
C. Measurement of flow rate The velocity measurementin
The discharge has been measured by means of a themodelswasrealizedusinga Pitot tube (Figure.
flowfeeding theflumeis measuredusing themeasuring 3).from aweirwallthickroundedridge
tubes, andverify this result, we used In this study, the measuring stepwas performed
theweirwallthickrounded ridge(Photo.1 )to asfollows:
measureh'', and thiswas calculatedthe discharge  For one slope of thechannelfixed,
coefficient(Cd) by the following equation: thevalvefeedingchannelis opened, and we
varythe flow.
 Fora given flow rate, thewater depths,
pressures and velocitieswere measured.Once
The total flowis given by: thesemeasurements, we change thechannel
slopeandrepeated thesame patternofaction.

Evolution of Velocity and Pressure Field in Stepped Channel

78
 International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, ISSN: 2394-2827 Volume-5, Issue-2, Apr.-2018
http://iraj.in
E. Measurement of slopes First zone

The change inthe slopeof the model wasobtainedby Clear water

manipulatingthe system"guillotine", as follows:

Second zone
 We fix the bar of theguillotineat White Water

zeroangle(horizontalchannel); flow not uniform

 Thenmade theguillotinesystemdownto a Third zone

depth"y".The slope of thechannelis white Water

uniform flow
Ecoulement uniforme
derivedfrom:
tan (α)= h / l
WhereL:Length ofchannel

Fig. 8 Skimming flow: Three (03) different zones in the Model

A (4x4x7.5cm).[15].

III. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

A. Determination of flow regime

From our observations and our measurements, we
plotted the limits of different flow regimes observed
(fig. 1).
Figure 1 show the experimentalcurvesSimões(2011).

Fg. 4 Nappe flow with low rate flow in Model A (4x4x7.5cm) Modele A (4x4x7.5)
Modele B (8x8x7.5)
[15]
Modele C (12x12x7.5)
Eq1: Y=2X (André Luiz.A.S, et al., 2011)
h/dc
Eq2: Y=0.214X+1 (André Luiz.A.S, et al., 2011)
8.000

7.000

6.000

Ecoulements en nappe
5.000

4.000

3.000

2.000
Fg. 5 Nappe flow with low rate flow in Model B (8x8x7.5cm) Ecoulement de transition
[15] 1.000

Ecoulement très turbulent

0.000 h/l

0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000

Fig. 9 Determination of the limits of different flow in the three

models by the method of Simões (2011)[15].

B. Determination of pressure fiels

(a) (b) P/γ/h α1=20°
20,000 α2=30°
α3=45°
Fig. 6 (a) Nappe flow with hydraulic jump fully 18,000

developed for middle rate flow (model A, α = 30 °).

16,000
(b). Nappe flow with hydraulic jump Partially
developed for high rate flow (model A,(α = 30 ° )[15] 14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

L/Ks
0,000
0,000 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000

Fig. 7 Nappe flow with hydraulic jump partially developed in Fig. 10 Variation of pressure on Model A (4cm x 4cm x
Model B (8x8x7.5cm) [15]. 7.5cm)[15].

Evolution of Velocity and Pressure Field in Stepped Channel

79
 International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, ISSN: 2394-2827 Volume-5, Issue-2, Apr.-2018
http://iraj.in
P/γ/h
α1=15°

α2=30°
parameter, which we will choose three distances for a
12,000
α3=45° single rate for models A, B and C(see figures 13, 14,
10,000
and 15).

8,000
profil de vitesse
Modele A (4x4x7.5cm) /α3=30°/Q=2.477l/s
X=33cm X=35cm X=70cm
0.060 0.060 0.060
6,000

0.050 0.050 0.050

4,000
0.040 0.040 0.040

Y (m)
Y (m)
Y (m)
0.030 0.030 0.030
2,000

0.020 0.020 0.020

L/Ks
0,000
0,000 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000
0.010 0.010 0.010

0.000 0.000 0.000

Fig. 11 Variation of pressure on Model B (8cm x 8cm x 7.5cm) 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1
V (m/s) V (m/s) V (m/s)
[15]
Fig. 13 Velocity profiles for  = 30 ° in Model A (4cm x 4cm x
7.5cm)[15]

profil de vitesse
Modele B (8x8x7.5cm) /α1=30°/Q=2.100l/s
X=34cm X=68cm X=102cm
0.090 0.090
0.090
0.080 0.080 0.080
0.070 0.070 0.070
0.060 0.060 0.060
0.050 0.050 0.050
Y (m)

Y (m)
Y (m)
0.040 0.040 0.040
0.030 0.030 0.030
0.020 0.020 0.020
0.010 0.010 0.010
0.000 0.000 0.000
0.0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8
V (m/s) V (m/s) V (m/s)

Fig. 14 Velocity profiles for  = 30 ° in Model B (8cm x 8cm x

7.5cm)[15]

profil de vitesse
Fig. 12 Variation of pressure on Model C (12cm x 12cm x Modele C (12x12x7.5cm) /α1=30°/Q=2.054l/s
7.5cm)[15] X=16.8cm X=30.5cm X=101.5cm
0.140 0.140 0.120

0.120 0.120 0.100

In all models, the analysis of the results (figures 10, 0.100 0.100
11, and 12), show that the values of pressure decrease 0.080 0.080
0.080
Y (m)

Y (m)
Y (m)

to the top at the bottom of the channel; because of the 0.060 0.060
0.060

effect of pressure drop. 0.040 0.040

0.040

0.020 0.020 0.020

The results show that in the model B and C (Figures 0.000 0.000 0.000
0.0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 0.00.20.30.50.60.80.91.11.21.41.51.7 0.00.20.30.50.60.80.91.11.21.4
11 and 12) which the flow is a nappe; the pressure V (m/s) V (m/s) V (m/s)

field increases in horizontal steps and decreases in Fig.15 Velocity profiles for  = 30 ° in Model C
(12cmx12cmx7.5cm)[15].
vertical steps; this is due to the effect of the impact of
the flow on the step. The pressure in vertical steps is
 The cited figures later showed that the velocity
below atmospheric pressure (vacuum).
increases with distance from the channels.
We note that the higher pressures are found in the
Small speeds are observed in the hollow of the
lower slopes; they result from low speeds.
steps. This is due to the effect of the water
Remark
vortex.
 It is noted for the three models; larger
 Longitudinally; the velocity profiles shown in
pressures are rather observed in model A, than
Figures (13, 14, and 15) have the same
in models B and C (nappe flow);
numerical values, and this is due to the
 For steep slopes with high flow was negative constancy of wet section (constant speed).
pressure (vacuum); this is explained by the
 Horizontally; profiles between the steps are
presence of voids caused by the jumps streams.
contour lines spaced more speed. A more
This event determines a potential risk of
gradual increase in speed is observed on the
cavitations in the upper region of spillway.
free surface. We have constated that the
 The comparison of our results with those found
recirculation water, affects the speed
by other authors; as Fratino and colleagues
distribution. This is appeared on the
(2004). shows almost the same conclusion on differences between the edges of steps and
the pressure variation. hollow stairs.
C. Determination of velocity fields
 The zero speed (v= 0) represents movement of
In skimming flow, several results obtained for this

Evolution of Velocity and Pressure Field in Stepped Channel

80
 International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, ISSN: 2394-2827 Volume-5, Issue-2, Apr.-2018
http://iraj.in
the rollers within the liquid zone comprised [3] Chanson, H. (1995). ‘’ Hydraulic Design of Stepped
cascades, Channels, Weirs and Spillways.’’ Pergamon,
between the bottom irregularities (roughness).
Oxford, Uk, Jan., 292 pages (ISBN 0-08-041918-6).
 Speeds speeds increase significantly with [4] Chanson, H. (1996). ‘’ Prediction of the Transition Nappe/
increasing rate of flow and accelerated more Skimming Flow on a Stepped Channel.’’ Jour. of Hyd.
than one moves downstream. This is verified Res., MIAHR, Vol. 34, N°3, pp. 421-429.
[5] Chanson, H. (2000). «Forum article. Hydraulics of
by the assumption made by (Fabián A. and Stepped Spillways: Current Status». Journal of
Col, 1955) and (Benmamar.S, 2006). Engineering, ASCE, Volume 126, No. 9, pp. 636-637.
 For the skimming flow, longitudinal flow [6] Chanson, H. (2001). « The hydraulics of stepped chutes
velocity distribution is nearly constant, which and spillways ». Balkema, Lisse, the Netherlands
[7] Chanson, H. &Toombes, L. (2002). « Air- Water Flows
is shown in the area uniform flow down Stepped chutes: Turbulence and Flow Structures
Observation». International of Multiphase Flow, volume
CONCLUSION 27, N°11, pp. 1737-1761.
[8] Chanson, H. (2006).” Hydraulics of skimming flows on
stepped chutes: The effect of inflow conditions “. J.
The pressure increases as a function of speed for a Hydraul. Res. 44 (1), pp. 51–60.
given section (more flow increases, increasing the [9] Chanson, H., (2010), “The Hydraulics of Stepped Chutes
wettedsection, thatthe resulting highpressure);andvis- and Spillways”, Balkema, Lisse.
vera. [10] Chanson H. (2001). A transition flow regime on stepped
spillways? The fact. Proceedings XXIX IAHR Congress,
The reduction inpressurealong theflowis due to theme D, vol. I, pp. 490-498.
theloss of charges generatedbytheflow regime(Re), [11] Fratino U., Amador A., Valenzano B., Renna
andthe effectofthemacro roughness (skimmimg flow). F.M., Sánchez-Juny M., and Dolz J. (2004). Air inception
In ModelA,the values ofpressure upstream of and pressure fields over a stepped spillway in transition
flow regime. Dipartimento di
thechannelare muchhigher than thoseat the bottom IngegneriaCivileedAmbientale, Politecnico di Bari – Bari
ofchannel (skimmimg flow).; (Italy), Hydraulic, Maritime and Environmental Eng.
The resultsobtained show thatin the modelBandC, Department, Civil Eng. School, UPC, Barcelona (Spain),
where the flow isinnappe flow; the pressure AUTh, Thessaloniki, Greece, pp. 711-718.
[12] Gafsi Mostefa, Benmamar Saadia. (1999). Etude
fieldincreasesin horizontally stepsand decreases in Expérimentale des Ecoulements dans les Canaux à Motifs
vertically steps;this is due tothe effect of theimpactof Périodiques. Thèse de Magister, Ecole Nationale
the flow onthe step;andagainstthepressureinstep Polytechnique d’Alger (ENP), soutenu le 20 Novembre,
isbelowatmospheric pressure(vacuum)(nappe flow). 1999 à l’ENP.
[13] GafsiMostefa, BenmamarSaadia, DjehicheAbdelkader,
The greatestpressuresare observed in thelowerslopes and KerbacheKhadidja (2012). Influence of the Flow
of thechannel;becauselow speeds(low slopes) cause Rates and the Channel Slope in the Energy Dissipation on
great pressure. Flows in the Stepped Channel. Wulfenia Journal (ISSN:
For the threemodels,the biggestpressures 1561-882X), Vol 19, No. 11;Nov 2012, pp 385-393.
[14] Gafsi, M., Benmamar, S. (2013a). Etude de l’effet de la
areratherobservedinmodel A, than theBand C models. pente sur les caractéristiques hydraulique des écoulements
Forsteep slopeswithhigh flow, we have observed dans les canaux a motifs périodiques. Thèse de Master en
anegativepressure(vacuum); which is explainedby the hydraulique, Université Ammar Telidji a Laghouat,
presence ofvoidscaused bythe jumpsstreams.This Algérie.
[15] Gafsi, M., Benmamar, S. (2013b). Etude de l’effet du débit
eventdetermines apotentialrisk of cavitationinthe sur les caractéristiques hydraulique des écoulements dans
upper region ofspillway (nappe flow). les canaux a motifs périodiques. Thèse de Master en
Thezero velocity(v = 0) represents, in skimming flow, hydraulique, Université Ammar Telidji à Laghouat,
the speedofthe rollersofrecirculation withintheliquid Algérie.
[16] Kherbache K., (2008a). Elaboration d’un code de calcul
zonecomprisedbetweenthebottomof régissant les écoulements sur les coursiers d’évacuateurs
theirregularities(roughness). de crues. Mémoire de magister en hydraulique, Ecole
The speedsare increasingsignificantlywith Nationale Polytechnique d’Alger, Algérie, p. 138
increasingrate of flowandacceleratemoreasone [17] Kherbache K. &Benmamar S., (2008b). « Simulation des
écoulements dans les canaux en marches d’escaliers par la
movesdownstream (skimmimg flow). méthode des volumes finis ». Algerian Journal Of
For the skimming flow, longitudinal flow velocity Technology, pp. 153-163.
distribution is nearly constant, which is shown in the [18] Kherbache K. &Benmamar S., (2010). « Simulation
area uniform flow numérique de l’écoulement graduellement varié aéré sur
les coursiers d’évacuateur de crues en marches d’escaliers
». 5ème conférence internationale sur : les Ressources en
REFERENCES Eau dans le Bassin Méditerranéen. Lille, France.
[19] Kherbache K. &Benmamar S., (2012). « Modélisation de
[1] Benmamar, S. (2006). « Etude des écoulements dans les l’écoulement turbulent dans un canal à ciel ouvert ».
conduits à motifs périodiques – Application aux Communication acceptée pour publication à la 6 ème
évacuateurs de crues ». Thèse de doctorat, Ecole Nationale conférence internationale sur : les Ressources en Eau dans
Polytechnique d’Alger, Algérie, 197 pages. le Bassin Méditerranéen ; Octobre ; 10-12 ; Tunis, Tunisie,
[2] Chanson, H. (1994). ‘’Comparison of Energy Dissipation Septembre 2012.
between Nappe and Skimming Flow Regimes on Stepped [20] Peyras L, Royet P, Degoutte G (1992) Flow and energy
Chutes.’’ Jour. of Hyd. Res., IAHR, Vol. 32, N° 2, pp 213- dissipation over stepped gabion weirs. J HydraulEng
218. Errata:Vol. 33, No. 1, p. 13. Discussion: Vol. 33, No. ASCE 118: 707-717.
1, pp. 114-143.

Evolution of Velocity and Pressure Field in Stepped Channel

81
International Journal of Advances in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, ISSN: 2394-2827 Volume-5, Issue-2, Apr.-2018
http://iraj.in
[21] Rajaratnam, N. (1990). Skimming flow in stepped stepped chutes. Computational Methods in Multiphase
spillways. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, v.116, n.4, p. Flow VI “,pp.95-105, doi:10.2495/MPF110081,
587-591, April. [23] Toombes L, Chanson H (2008). Flow patterns in nappe
[22] Simões, A.L.A.; Schulz, H.E. & Porto, R.M. (2011). flow regime down low gradient stepped chutes. J Hydraul
“Transition length between water and airwater flows on Res 46: 4-14.



Evolution of Velocity and Pressure Field in Stepped Channel

82