1. What is Discharge Per Unit Width?

Discharge per unit width in open channel is the ratio of total discharge in the channel to the width considered. It represents the flow rate per unit width of the channel.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the discharge per unit width formula:

Where:

• \( q \) — Discharge per unit width (m²/s)
• \( h_c \) — Critical depth for flow in open channel (m)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²)

Explanation: This formula calculates the discharge per unit width based on the critical depth of flow and gravitational acceleration.

3. Importance of Discharge Calculation

Details: Accurate discharge calculation is crucial for hydraulic engineering, flood control, irrigation system design, and environmental flow management in open channels.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the critical depth in meters. The value must be positive and greater than zero for valid calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is critical depth in open channel flow?
A: Critical depth is defined as the depth of flow where energy is at a minimum for a particular discharge in the open channel.

Q2: What are typical units for discharge per unit width?
A: Discharge per unit width is typically measured in square meters per second (m²/s).

Q3: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula is applicable for calculating discharge per unit width in open channel flow conditions where critical depth is known.

Q4: What is the value of gravitational acceleration used?
A: The calculator uses the standard gravitational acceleration value of 9.80665 m/s².

Q5: Can this calculator be used for rectangular channels only?
A: This formula is specifically for discharge per unit width, which is applicable to various channel shapes when considering flow per unit width.