Hydraulic Gradient Flow Rate
The hydraulic gradient is a concept used in fluid mechanics and hydrogeology to describe the slope of the water table or piezometric surface in a confined or unconfined aquifer. It represents the change in the height of the water table per unit of horizontal distance. The hydraulic gradient is a critical factor in understanding groundwater flow. It represents the potential energy of the fluid due to its elevation and pressure.
Hydraulic Gradient Flow Rate fromula |
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\( Q = k \; i \; A_c \) (Hydraulic Gradient Flow Rate) \( k = Q \;/\; i \; A_c \) \( i = Q \;/\; k \; A_c \) \( A_c = Q \;/\; k \; i \) |
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Symbol | English | Metric |
\( Q \) = Flow Rate | \(ft^3 \;/\; sec\) | \(m^3 \;/\; s\) |
\( k \) = Hydraulic Conductivity | \(ft \;/\; day\) | \(m \;/\; day\) |
\( i \) = Hydraulic Gradient | \(dimensionless\) | \(dimensionless\) |
\( A_c \) = Area Cross-section of Flow | \( in^2 \) | \( mm^2 \) |