1. What is the Maximum Discharge Formula?

The Maximum Discharge of Total Inlets formula calculates the peak volume flow rate through all inlets during tidal events. It's derived from the relationship between tidal amplitude, bay surface area, inlet velocity, and tidal period.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q_{max} \) — Maximum discharge of total inlets (m³/s)
• \( a_o \) — Ocean tide amplitude (m)
• \( A_b \) — Surface area of bay (m²)
• \( V_{max} \) — Maximum velocity in the inlet throat (m/s)
• \( T \) — Tidal period (s)
• \( \pi \) — Mathematical constant pi (approximately 3.14159)

Explanation: This formula calculates the maximum water exchange between the ocean and bay through all inlets during a tidal cycle.

3. Importance of Maximum Discharge Calculation

Details: Accurate maximum discharge calculation is crucial for coastal engineering, flood prediction, sediment transport studies, and designing marine structures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter ocean tide amplitude in meters, surface area of bay in square meters, maximum velocity in meters per second, and tidal period in seconds. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is ocean tide amplitude?
A: Ocean tide amplitude is the height difference between high and low tides, reflecting gravitational forces from the moon and sun.

Q2: How is surface area of bay measured?
A: Surface area of bay is typically measured using topographic surveys, satellite imagery, or GIS mapping tools.

Q3: What affects maximum velocity in the inlet throat?
A: Inlet geometry, tidal range, bay size, and bottom friction all influence the maximum velocity in the inlet throat.

Q4: What is a typical tidal period?
A: The typical tidal period is approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes (44,700 seconds) for semi-diurnal tides.

Q5: When is this formula most accurate?
A: This formula works best for well-mixed estuaries with relatively simple geometry and uniform flow conditions.