Capillary Suction Given Infiltration Capacity Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Sc = \left( \frac{fp}{K} - 1 \right) \times \frac{Fp}{\eta} \]

Infiltration Capacity at Any Time t (fp):

cm/hr

Darcy's Hydraulic Conductivity (K):

cm/hr

Cumulative Infiltration Capacity (Fp):

cm/hr

Porosity (η):

ratio

Capillary Suction at Wetting Front (Sc):

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1. What is Capillary Suction at Wetting Front?

Capillary Suction at Wetting Front is due to capillary attraction in the soil voids and is large for fine grained soils such as clays and small for sandy soils. It represents the force that draws water into soil pores through capillary action.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Sc = \left( \frac{fp}{K} - 1 \right) \times \frac{Fp}{\eta} \]

Where:

\( Sc \) — Capillary Suction at Wetting Front (cm)
\( fp \) — Infiltration Capacity at Any Time t (cm/hr)
\( K \) — Darcy's Hydraulic Conductivity (cm/hr)
\( Fp \) — Cumulative Infiltration Capacity (cm/hr)
\( \eta \) — Porosity (ratio)

Explanation: This formula calculates the capillary suction based on infiltration capacity, hydraulic conductivity, cumulative infiltration, and soil porosity.

3. Importance of Capillary Suction Calculation

Details: Understanding capillary suction is crucial for analyzing water movement in soils, designing irrigation systems, and studying groundwater recharge processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. Infiltration capacity, hydraulic conductivity, and cumulative infiltration should be in cm/hr. Porosity should be a ratio between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect capillary suction in soils?
A: Soil texture, pore size distribution, moisture content, and soil structure all influence capillary suction values.

Q2: How does capillary suction differ between soil types?
A: Fine-textured soils like clays have higher capillary suction due to smaller pore sizes, while sandy soils have lower capillary suction.

Q3: Why is porosity important in this calculation?
A: Porosity affects the volume of voids available for water movement and storage, directly influencing capillary action.

Q4: What are typical values for capillary suction?
A: Values can range from a few centimeters in sandy soils to several meters in clayey soils.

Q5: How is this calculation used in practical applications?
A: It's used in irrigation design, soil moisture studies, contaminant transport modeling, and foundation engineering.