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Hydraulic Gradient Formula:
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The Hydraulic Gradient refers to the change in water level per unit distance along the direction of maximum head decrease. It is a fundamental concept in groundwater flow and soil mechanics.
The calculator uses the Hydraulic Gradient formula:
Where:
Explanation: The hydraulic gradient represents the driving force for groundwater flow, calculated as the ratio of mean flow velocity to the permeability coefficient of the porous medium.
Details: Accurate hydraulic gradient calculation is crucial for analyzing groundwater flow patterns, designing drainage systems, assessing seepage through dams and levees, and evaluating contaminant transport in aquifers.
Tips: Enter mean velocity in m/s and coefficient of permeability in m/s. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for valid calculation.
Q1: What is the physical significance of hydraulic gradient?
A: Hydraulic gradient represents the slope of the hydraulic head and indicates the direction and magnitude of groundwater flow.
Q2: What are typical values for hydraulic gradient?
A: Hydraulic gradients typically range from 0.001 to 0.01 in natural groundwater systems, but can be higher in engineered systems or steep terrain.
Q3: How does hydraulic gradient relate to Darcy's Law?
A: In Darcy's Law, the hydraulic gradient is the driving force that causes water to flow through porous media, with flow rate proportional to the gradient.
Q4: Can hydraulic gradient be negative?
A: While mathematically possible, negative hydraulic gradient typically indicates flow in the opposite direction of the defined coordinate system.
Q5: What factors affect the coefficient of permeability?
A: Permeability depends on soil/rock properties including grain size distribution, porosity, particle shape, and degree of saturation.