Hydraulic Performance of Sluice Gates: A Review of Head Loss Estimation and Discharge Coefficients for Optimal Flow Control and Design Considerations

Abstract

Sluice gates are commonly used water management structures; they are able to deliver flow among both major and minor channels. When used for these operations, they are sometimes referred to as intake structures. These structures can be employed at the dam crest for controlling downstream flow. Irrespective of their simple structures, the hydraulics of sluice gates are complex. Sluice gates are used in various applications, from practical applications such as irrigation channels to research activities in universities. Accurate head loss calculations (ΔE) and discharge coefficients (Cd) are essential for the design of open canals. Calculations are needed for both free or submerged flow conditions. Although there have been some investigations on Cd for sluice gates, a comprehensive literature review shows that there are no studies on ΔE. Knowledge of ΔE is necessary for the design of intakes and irrigation canal inverts. The objective of this study is to investigate the head loss estimation and discharge coefficients for optimal flow control and design considerations. Both the vertical sluice gate and radial gate are investigated. This study experimentally explores ΔE and Cd using geometric scaling. It is found that ΔE for free flow exceeds that of submerged flow. In addition, free flow discharge coefficients exceed those for submerged flow. Relative energy losses (ΔE) range from 0.271 to 0.604. Energy losses of these magnitudes cannot be ignored, and their impact on minor canal inverts should be considered.