Home
Back
Formula Used:
| From: | To: |
The Ratio of Water Volume entering the Harbor per Tide to the Harbor Volume (\(\alpha\)) represents the proportion of water exchange in a harbor during each tidal cycle, accounting for both filling effects and density influences.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula combines the effects of tidal filling and density differences to determine the total water volume ratio entering the harbor per tidal cycle.
Details: Accurate calculation of water volume ratio is crucial for harbor design, sediment transport analysis, water quality management, and understanding tidal flushing characteristics in coastal engineering.
Tips: Enter the portion caused by filling and density influence values. Both values must be non-negative numbers representing their respective contributions to the water volume ratio.
Q1: What factors affect the filling portion (\(\alpha_f\))?
A: The filling portion is influenced by tidal range, harbor geometry, and the timing of tidal cycles relative to harbor operations.
Q2: How does density influence (\(\alpha_D\)) contribute to the ratio?
A: Density differences caused by salinity or temperature gradients can create additional water exchange through gravitational circulation effects.
Q3: What are typical values for this ratio?
A: Values typically range from 0.1 to 2.0, depending on harbor characteristics, with higher values indicating better water exchange.
Q4: How is this ratio used in harbor design?
A: It helps determine flushing rates, residence times, and the effectiveness of water quality management strategies in harbor basins.
Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation method?
A: This simplified approach may not capture complex hydrodynamic interactions in highly irregular harbors or under extreme weather conditions.