1. What is the Water Flow Rate Equation?

The water flow rate equation (also known as the Torricelli's equation) calculates the volumetric flow rate of water through an opening or pipe. It's fundamental in fluid dynamics and hydraulic engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the flow rate equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( C \) — Discharge coefficient (dimensionless)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the opening (m²)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( h \) — Head or height of water column (m)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the velocity of fluid flowing through an opening under the influence of gravity.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is crucial for designing water supply systems, irrigation systems, hydraulic structures, and industrial fluid processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the discharge coefficient (typically 0.6-0.8 for most orifices), cross-sectional area in square meters, and head in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical discharge coefficient value?
A: For sharp-edged orifices, it's typically 0.62. For well-rounded orifices, it can approach 0.98.

Q2: How does pipe diameter affect flow rate?
A: Flow rate is directly proportional to cross-sectional area (A = πr²), so doubling the diameter quadruples the flow rate.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses metric units (m for length, m² for area, m³/s for flow rate). For imperial units, convert first.

Q4: Does this equation work for pressurized systems?
A: For pressurized systems, replace 'gh' with the pressure difference divided by fluid density (ΔP/ρ).

Q5: What factors affect the discharge coefficient?
A: The coefficient depends on orifice shape, edge conditions, and the Reynolds number of the flow.