1. What is the Discharge Given Storage Formula?

The discharge given storage formula calculates the volumetric flow rate of a stream at any time t based on the total storage in the channel reach and a decay constant. This is particularly useful in hydrological modeling and flood prediction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q_t \) — Discharge at Time t (m³/s)
• \( S \) — Total Storage in Channel Reach (m³)
• \( a \) — Constant 'a' for Discharge in Exponential Decay

Explanation: The formula establishes a direct proportional relationship between the total storage in a channel reach and the discharge rate, modified by a decay constant that accounts for exponential decay characteristics.

3. Importance of Discharge Calculation

Details: Accurate discharge calculation is crucial for water resource management, flood forecasting, irrigation planning, and environmental impact assessments. It helps in understanding the flow characteristics of rivers and streams.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total storage in cubic meters and the decay constant. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the discharge rate in cubic meters per second.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the physical significance of constant 'a'?
A: Constant 'a' represents the rate of exponential decay in discharge. It is a dimensionless parameter that characterizes how quickly discharge decreases over time relative to the storage.

Q2: How is total storage in channel reach measured?
A: Total storage can be measured through various methods including bathymetric surveys, remote sensing techniques, or calculated using stage-storage relationships.

Q3: What are typical values for constant 'a'?
A: The value of constant 'a' varies depending on channel characteristics, ranging typically from 0.1 to 2.0, but can be outside this range for specific hydrological conditions.

Q4: Can this formula be used for all types of channels?
A: While applicable to many channel types, the formula works best for channels with relatively uniform cross-sections and consistent flow conditions.

Q5: How does this relate to exponential decay?
A: The formula represents a simplified exponential decay model where discharge is directly proportional to storage, with the constant 'a' governing the decay rate.