Formula Used:
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The Discharge through Orifice refers to the volume of fluid (such as water) that flows through an opening, of any size or shape, in a pipe or at the bottom or side wall of a container (water tank, reservoir, etc.), through which fluid is discharged per unit of time.
The calculator uses the orifice discharge formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the flow rate through an orifice based on the geometry of the opening and the hydraulic head difference.
Details: Accurate discharge calculation is crucial for designing hydraulic systems, flow measurement, irrigation systems, and industrial fluid handling applications.
Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units. The coefficient of discharge typically ranges from 0.6 to 0.8 for sharp-edged orifices. All input values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the typical range for coefficient of discharge?
A: For sharp-edged orifices, the coefficient of discharge typically ranges from 0.6 to 0.8, depending on the geometry and flow conditions.
Q2: Why is the square root of the head difference used?
A: The flow velocity through an orifice is proportional to the square root of the head difference, following Torricelli's theorem for ideal fluids.
Q3: What factors affect the coefficient of discharge?
A: The coefficient is affected by orifice shape, edge conditions, Reynolds number, and the ratio of orifice to pipe diameter.
Q4: Can this formula be used for all orifice shapes?
A: This specific formula is designed for rectangular orifices. Different formulas apply for circular or other shaped orifices.
Q5: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: The formula assumes steady flow, incompressible fluid, and may not account for viscosity effects, turbulence, or complex flow patterns.