Formula Used:
| From: | To: |
The ratio of discharge is the ratio of discharge due to spherical flow to discharge due to radial flow in hydrogeological systems. This parameter helps in understanding the flow characteristics and efficiency of well systems in environmental engineering applications.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the geometric relationships between well dimensions, aquifer characteristics, and the influence radius to determine the flow ratio between spherical and radial discharge patterns.
Details: Accurate calculation of discharge ratio is crucial for designing efficient well systems, predicting flow behavior, and optimizing groundwater extraction in environmental engineering projects.
Tips: Enter all values in meters. Ensure radius of well and aquifer thickness are positive values, and radius of influence is greater than radius of well for valid calculations.
Q1: What is spherical flow vs radial flow?
A: Spherical flow occurs in three dimensions around a point source, while radial flow occurs in two dimensions around a line source. The ratio compares these flow patterns.
Q2: When is this ratio particularly important?
A: This ratio is important in well design, particularly when analyzing flow patterns in confined aquifers and determining the efficiency of groundwater extraction systems.
Q3: What are typical values for this ratio?
A: The ratio typically ranges between 0.1 and 10, depending on the specific geometric relationships between well dimensions and aquifer characteristics.
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes ideal conditions and may need adjustment for complex geological formations, heterogeneous aquifers, or non-ideal well conditions.
Q5: How does aquifer thickness affect the ratio?
A: Thicker aquifers generally result in smaller discharge ratios, as radial flow becomes more dominant relative to spherical flow in thicker formations.