Energy Loss At the Base of A Free Overfall

Experimental studies were made of a free overfall with a view to obtaining information that would be of value to designers of hydraulic structures. Detailed laboratory measurements showed that the energy losses at the base of a fall were of appreciable magnitude and hence must be considered in hydraulic design. These measured energy losses were applied in the development of a rational formula for calculating the height of the jump below a fall. Limited information was also obtained on the length characteristics of the jump and on the effect of submergence of the jump on energy dissipation. The presence of standing water behind the fall is explained, and its height is calculated by application of the momentum equation.