1. What is Depth of Flow given Wetted Area for Parabola?

Depth of Flow is the vertical distance from the water surface to the bottom of a channel or waterway. When dealing with parabolic channel sections, this calculation helps determine the flow depth based on the wetted surface area and top width of the parabola.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Wetted Surface Area of Parabola — Total area of the parabolic section in contact with water (m²)
• Top Width — Width of the parabolic section at the water surface (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the depth of flow in a parabolic channel section by relating the wetted area to the top width using the geometric properties of a parabola.

3. Importance of Depth of Flow Calculation

Details: Accurate depth of flow calculation is essential for hydraulic engineering, flood management, irrigation system design, and environmental flow studies in parabolic channels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the wetted surface area in square meters and top width in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a parabolic channel section?
A: A parabolic channel has a cross-section that follows a parabolic curve, often used in natural streams and some engineered channels for efficient flow characteristics.

Q2: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula is specifically designed for calculating depth of flow in parabolic channel sections where the wetted area and top width are known.

Q3: What are typical units for these measurements?
A: The formula uses metric units - square meters for area and meters for linear measurements, but consistent units must be maintained throughout.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes a perfect parabolic shape and may not be accurate for irregular or non-parabolic channel sections.

Q5: How does this relate to hydraulic radius calculations?
A: Depth of flow is a fundamental parameter used in calculating hydraulic radius, which is crucial for determining flow velocity and discharge in open channels.