1. What is Peak Discharge?

Peak Discharge is the maximum volume flow rate passing a particular location during an event. It represents the highest rate of water flow in a stream or river during a storm or flood event.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Peak Discharge formula:

Where:

• \( Q_p \) — Peak Discharge (m³/s)
• \( A \) — Area of Catchment (km²)
• \( T_p \) — Time of Peak (hours)

Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum discharge rate based on the catchment area and the time it takes to reach peak flow.

3. Importance of Peak Discharge Calculation

Details: Accurate peak discharge estimation is crucial for flood forecasting, hydraulic structure design, watershed management, and emergency planning during flood events.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the catchment area in square kilometers and time of peak in hours. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the significance of the constant 2.08 in the formula?
A: The constant 2.08 is a conversion factor that accounts for unit conversions and empirical relationships in the rational method for peak discharge calculation.

Q2: How is catchment area determined?
A: Catchment area is determined through topographic mapping and watershed delineation using GIS tools or manual measurement from topographic maps.

Q3: What factors affect time of peak?
A: Time of peak is influenced by watershed characteristics such as slope, land use, soil type, channel geometry, and rainfall intensity.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This simplified formula may not account for complex watershed dynamics, varying rainfall patterns, or storage effects in larger catchments.

Q5: When should more complex methods be used?
A: For large or complex watersheds, or when high precision is required, more sophisticated hydrological models should be used instead of this simplified approach.