Formula Used:
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The formula calculates the diameter of sediment particles that can be moved or eroded by a fluid flow at its minimum critical scour velocity. It's derived from the relationship between particle size, fluid velocity, gravity, and particle specific gravity.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the balance between hydrodynamic forces and gravitational forces acting on sediment particles.
Details: Calculating particle diameter is crucial for sediment transport studies, erosion prediction, hydraulic engineering design, and environmental impact assessments of water infrastructure projects.
Tips: Enter minimum critical scour velocity in m/s, acceleration due to gravity in m/s² (default 9.8 m/s²), and specific gravity of particle. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is minimum critical scour velocity?
A: Minimum critical scour velocity is the minimum fluid velocity required to initiate movement of sediment particles from a stationary state.
Q2: Why is specific gravity important in this calculation?
A: Specific gravity determines the relative density of particles compared to water, affecting how easily they can be moved by fluid flow.
Q3: What are typical values for specific gravity of sediment particles?
A: Most natural sediment particles have specific gravity between 2.5-2.7, with quartz sand typically around 2.65.
Q4: How does particle shape affect the calculation?
A: The formula assumes spherical particles. Non-spherical particles may have different critical velocities due to variations in drag and lift forces.
Q5: What are the limitations of this formula?
A: The formula may be less accurate for very fine or very coarse sediments, and doesn't account for particle cohesion or bed roughness effects.