Abstract

Discharge measurement in open channels has a great importance in water
resources management. Many types of discharge measurement devices
appeared, with differences in view of their technical performance and
precision. From these devices there are the critical depth flumes.
In the present research, a portable prism was tested for measuring discharges
in rectangular channels. The prism is positioned in the middle of the channels
so that a critical flow is created. Five models of prisms were used, each of
which has been examined for both free flow and submerged flow conditions.
Under free flow conditions, the prism showed a high accuracy in measuring
discharges and there is a good agreement between calculated and measured
discharges. Under submerged flow conditions, the prism showed a good
performance and acceptable accuracy.