Darcy's Hydraulic Conductivity Given Infiltration Capacity From Philip's Equation Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Hydraulic\ Conductivity = \frac{Cumulative\ Infiltration\ Capacity - (Sorptivity \times \sqrt{Time})}{Time} \] \[ k = \frac{F_p - (s \times \sqrt{t})}{t} \]

Hydraulic Conductivity (k):

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1. What Is Darcy's Hydraulic Conductivity?

Hydraulic Conductivity, often referred to as Darcy's Hydraulic Conductivity, is a property of soil or rock that describes the ease with which water can move through pore spaces or fractures. It depends on the size and arrangement of the water-transmitting openings and on the dynamic characteristics of the fluid.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Philip's Equation:

\[ k = \frac{F_p - (s \times \sqrt{t})}{t} \]

Where:

\( k \) — Hydraulic Conductivity (cm/hr)
\( F_p \) — Cumulative Infiltration Capacity (cm/hr)
\( s \) — Sorptivity (-)
\( t \) — Time (hours)

Explanation: This equation separates the effects of gravity (represented by hydraulic conductivity) and capillary action (represented by sorptivity) on infiltration processes.

3. Importance Of Hydraulic Conductivity Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of hydraulic conductivity is crucial for understanding groundwater flow, designing drainage systems, predicting contaminant transport, and managing irrigation systems in agriculture.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter cumulative infiltration capacity in cm/hr, sorptivity (dimensionless), and time in hours. All values must be valid (Fp ≥ 0, s ≥ 0, t > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between hydraulic conductivity and permeability?
A: Hydraulic conductivity includes both the properties of the porous medium and the fluid, while permeability describes only the properties of the porous medium.

Q2: What are typical values of hydraulic conductivity for different soil types?
A: Clay: 0.000001-0.01 cm/hr, Silt: 0.01-1 cm/hr, Sand: 1-100 cm/hr, Gravel: 100-10,000 cm/hr.

Q3: When is Philip's equation most appropriate to use?
A: Philip's equation is particularly useful for early-time infiltration analysis when both capillary and gravity forces are significant.

Q4: What factors affect hydraulic conductivity?
A: Soil texture, structure, porosity, water content, fluid viscosity, and temperature all influence hydraulic conductivity values.

Q5: How is sorptivity determined experimentally?
A: Sorptivity is typically determined from infiltration tests where cumulative infiltration is measured as a function of the square root of time.