1. What is Wetted Surface Area of Parabola?

The Wetted Surface Area of Parabola represents the total area of the outer surface that is in contact with the surrounding water in a parabolic channel section. It is a crucial parameter in hydraulic engineering for calculating flow characteristics and resistance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the parabolic wetted area formula:

Where:

• \( A_{Para} \) — Wetted Surface Area of Parabola (m²)
• \( T \) — Top Width of the parabolic section (m)
• \( d_f \) — Depth of Flow in the channel (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the wetted area for a parabolic channel cross-section by multiplying the top width and depth of flow, then dividing by the constant factor 1.5.

3. Importance of Wetted Surface Area Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of wetted surface area is essential for determining hydraulic radius, flow resistance, energy loss calculations, and designing efficient water conveyance systems in civil and environmental engineering.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the top width and depth of flow in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the wetted surface area for a parabolic channel section.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between wetted area and wetted perimeter?
A: Wetted area refers to the surface area in contact with water, while wetted perimeter is the length of the channel boundary that is in contact with water.

Q2: Why is the constant 1.5 used in the formula?
A: The constant 1.5 is derived from the geometric properties of a parabolic shape and represents the relationship between top width, depth, and area for this specific cross-section.

Q3: Can this formula be used for other channel shapes?
A: No, this formula is specifically designed for parabolic channel sections. Other shapes (rectangular, trapezoidal, circular) have different area calculation formulas.

Q4: What are typical applications of this calculation?
A: This calculation is used in open channel flow design, irrigation systems, drainage design, and hydraulic analysis of natural and man-made waterways.

Q5: How accurate is this formula for real-world applications?
A: The formula provides good accuracy for ideal parabolic shapes. For real-world applications, additional factors like surface roughness and channel irregularities may need consideration.