Specific Gravity Of Particle Given Settling Velocity Within Transition Zone Calculator

Specific Gravity Formula:

\[ G = \frac{(v_s)^{1/0.714}}{g \cdot D^{1.6}} \div (13.88 \cdot \nu^{0.6}) + 1 \]

Settling Velocity (vₛ):

m/s

Acceleration due to Gravity (g):

m/s²

Diameter (D):

Kinematic Viscosity (ν):

m²/s

Specific Gravity of Sediment (G):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Specific Gravity of Sediment?

Specific Gravity of Sediment is the ratio of the density of sediment particles to the density of water. It provides important information about the composition and settling characteristics of sediment particles in fluid environments.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the specific gravity formula:

\[ G = \frac{(v_s)^{1/0.714}}{g \cdot D^{1.6}} \div (13.88 \cdot \nu^{0.6}) + 1 \]

Where:

\( G \) — Specific Gravity of Sediment
\( v_s \) — Settling Velocity (m/s)
\( g \) — Acceleration due to Gravity (m/s²)
\( D \) — Diameter (m)
\( \nu \) — Kinematic Viscosity (m²/s)

Explanation: This formula calculates the specific gravity of sediment particles based on their settling velocity within the transition zone, accounting for gravitational forces, particle size, and fluid viscosity.

3. Importance of Specific Gravity Calculation

Details: Calculating specific gravity is crucial for understanding sediment transport, designing sedimentation basins, predicting erosion patterns, and analyzing water quality in environmental engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter settling velocity in m/s, acceleration due to gravity in m/s² (default 9.8), diameter in meters, and kinematic viscosity in m²/s (default 0.00102 for water at 20°C). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for specific gravity of sediment?
A: Most mineral sediments have specific gravity between 2.5-2.7, while organic sediments typically range from 1.0-1.5.

Q2: Why is the transition zone important in sedimentation?
A: The transition zone represents the range where both viscous and inertial forces significantly affect particle settling behavior.

Q3: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Temperature primarily affects kinematic viscosity. Warmer fluids have lower viscosity, which increases settling velocity.

Q4: What are common applications of this calculation?
A: Water treatment plant design, river engineering, sediment transport studies, and environmental impact assessments.

Q5: How accurate is this formula for irregularly shaped particles?
A: The formula works best for spherical particles. For irregular shapes, correction factors may be needed based on particle sphericity.