Formula Used:
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The discharge formula calculates the volumetric flow rate of water through a given cross-sectional area based on depth measurements at a gauging station and control parameters. This calculation is essential in hydrology and water resource management.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the relationship between water depth measurements and the resulting discharge rate, considering the head loss between the gauging station and control point.
Details: Accurate discharge calculation is crucial for flood forecasting, water supply management, irrigation planning, and environmental monitoring of water bodies.
Tips: Enter all depth values in meters, terms of order as a dimensionless value, and head at control in meters. Ensure head at control is not zero to avoid division by zero.
Q1: What is cease-to-flow depth?
A: Cease-to-flow depth refers to the water depth at which flow effectively stops or becomes negligible in the channel.
Q2: How are terms of order determined?
A: Terms of order represent the head loss between the gauging station and control, typically determined through hydraulic analysis or empirical relationships.
Q3: What units should be used for input values?
A: All depth and head measurements should be in meters (m), while discharge will be calculated in cubic meters per second (m³/s).
Q4: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful in open channel flow measurements where a downstream control and gauging station are established.
Q5: What are common sources of error in this calculation?
A: Potential errors include inaccurate depth measurements, improper determination of terms of order, and variations in channel geometry that affect flow characteristics.