Structural design and performance study of a novel strain-type open channel flow measuring device

This study developed a novel strain-based flow measurement device through innovative structural design and theoretical modelling to balance accuracy, portability, and cost in open channel flow measurement. A velocity-strain mapping model was established using flow resistance theory and Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, validated by dimensional analysis. Fluid-solid coupling simulations analyzed the effects of plate geometry (length: 100–200 mm, width: 30–50 mm, thickness: 2–4 mm) on strain response. Experiments were performed to compare the accuracy of the strain-type device with that of the propeller current meter (±1.5%). The theoretical model demonstrated a parabolic relationship relationship between velocity and the square root of strain ( R 2 = 0.9992). Numerical simulations revealed that strain sensitivity increased with plate length ( L ) but decreased with thickness ( h ), while width ( D ) had a negligible impact (