Discharge Per Unit Width Of Aquifer Considering Permeability Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Q = \frac{(h_o^2 - h_1^2) \times K}{2 \times L} \]

Piezometric Head at Upstream End (hₒ):

Piezometric Head at Downstream End (h₁):

Coefficient of Permeability (K):

m/s

Length between Upstream and Downstream (L):

Discharge per Unit Width (Q):

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1. What is Discharge per Unit Width?

Discharge per unit width refers to the volumetric flow rate of water per unit width of an aquifer. It is a key parameter in groundwater hydrology that helps quantify the movement of water through porous media.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = \frac{(h_o^2 - h_1^2) \times K}{2 \times L} \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Discharge per unit width (m³/s/m)
\( h_o \) — Piezometric head at upstream end (m)
\( h_1 \) — Piezometric head at downstream end (m)
\( K \) — Coefficient of permeability (m/s)
\( L \) — Length between upstream and downstream ends (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the discharge per unit width based on the difference in piezometric heads and the permeability characteristics of the aquifer material.

3. Importance of Discharge Calculation

Details: Accurate discharge calculation is crucial for groundwater resource management, contaminant transport studies, and designing effective groundwater remediation systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. Piezometric heads and length must be positive values. Coefficient of permeability must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the coefficient of permeability?
A: The coefficient of permeability (K) describes how easily water can move through soil or rock. It depends on the properties of both the fluid and the porous medium.

Q2: How is piezometric head different from elevation head?
A: Piezometric head represents the total hydraulic head, which includes both elevation head and pressure head components.

Q3: What are typical values for coefficient of permeability?
A: Permeability values range from 10⁻¹² m/s for intact clay to 10⁻¹ m/s for clean gravel, varying significantly with soil type.

Q4: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula applies to steady-state flow in confined aquifers with uniform permeability and constant thickness.

Q5: What are the limitations of this approach?
A: The formula assumes homogeneous isotropic conditions and may not accurately represent complex aquifer systems with varying properties.