Discharge Velocity

on . Posted in Geotechnical Engineering

Discharge velocity, abbreviated as q, is the rate of water through a porous medium per unit of total area perpendicular to the direction of flow.  It refers to the velocity at which fluid, such as water, passes through a specific point in a pipe, channel, or any conduit. 

The discharge velocity can be calculated by dividing the volumetric flow rate (discharge) of the fluid by the area cross-section of the flow passage.  It represents the average velocity of the fluid at that particular point.  It's important to note that the discharge velocity represents the average velocity at a specific point and may not necessarily reflect the velocity at every point within the flow.  The actual velocity distribution within the flow may vary depending on factors such as the flow profile, pipe shape, and flow conditions.

 

Discharge Velocity formula

\( q = V_t \; A_c  \)     (Discharge Velocity)

\( V_t =  q \;/\; A_c  \)

\( A_c =  q \;/\; V_t \)

Symbol English Metric
\( q \) = discharge velocity \(ft\;/\;sec\) \(m\;/\;s\)
\( V_t \) = total volume of soil \(ft^3\) \(m^3\)
\( A_c \) = area cross-section \(ft^2\) \(m^2\)

 

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Tags: Velocity Water Soil