Formula Used:
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The Wetted Surface Area of Rectangle [length²] is the total area of outer surface in contact with the surrounding water in a rectangular channel cross-section.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the area of the rectangular cross-section that is in contact with water by multiplying the width of the channel by the depth of water flow.
Details: Accurate wetted area calculation is crucial for hydraulic engineering, flow rate calculations, friction loss estimation, and channel design in civil and environmental engineering applications.
Tips: Enter the width of the rectangular channel section and the depth of water flow in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What units should I use for the inputs?
A: The calculator expects inputs in meters (m) for both width and depth, and returns the area in square meters (m²).
Q2: Can this calculator be used for partially filled rectangular channels?
A: Yes, this calculator works for both fully and partially filled rectangular channels as long as the depth measurement represents the actual water depth.
Q3: How does wetted area differ from cross-sectional area?
A: For rectangular channels, the wetted area is typically the same as the cross-sectional area of water flow, representing the area in contact with water.
Q4: What if my channel has a different shape?
A: This calculator is specifically designed for rectangular channels. Other channel shapes (circular, trapezoidal, etc.) require different formulas.
Q5: Why is wetted area important in hydraulic calculations?
A: Wetted area is essential for calculating hydraulic radius, flow resistance, shear stress, and other parameters critical for channel design and flow analysis.