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Continuity Equation:
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Water discharge (Q) represents the volume of water flowing through a cross-section per unit time. It is calculated using the continuity equation Q = A × V, where A is cross-sectional area and V is flow velocity.
The calculator uses the continuity equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation demonstrates that discharge equals the product of cross-sectional area and flow velocity, based on the principle of conservation of mass.
Details: Accurate discharge calculation is essential for hydraulic engineering, water resource management, flood forecasting, irrigation system design, and environmental flow assessments.
Tips: Enter cross-sectional area in square meters (m²) and flow velocity in meters per second (m/s). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is the continuity equation principle?
A: The continuity equation states that for an incompressible fluid, the mass flow rate must remain constant from one cross-section to another in a conduit.
Q2: How is cross-sectional area measured?
A: Cross-sectional area is calculated based on the geometry of the channel or pipe. For rectangular channels: width × depth; for circular pipes: π × (diameter/2)².
Q3: What factors affect flow velocity?
A: Flow velocity is influenced by channel slope, roughness, cross-sectional shape, and hydraulic radius. It can be measured using current meters or calculated using Manning's equation.
Q4: When is this calculation most accurate?
A: This calculation is most accurate for steady, uniform flow conditions in prismatic channels with constant cross-section and velocity distribution.
Q5: What are typical discharge values?
A: Discharge values vary widely - from small streams (0.1-10 m³/s) to major rivers (100-10,000+ m³/s). The Amazon River averages about 209,000 m³/s.