1. What is a Gravity Water Flow Rate Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the volumetric flow rate of water through an orifice under the influence of gravity.

Purpose: It helps engineers, hydrologists, and irrigation specialists determine water flow rates for system design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Torricelli's formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( C \) — Discharge coefficient (dimensionless, 0.62 for sharp-edged orifice)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the orifice (m²)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
• \( h \) — Head or height of water above the orifice (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the theoretical flow rate, adjusted by a coefficient to account for real-world conditions.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate estimation is crucial for designing water supply systems, irrigation networks, and hydraulic structures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the discharge coefficient (default 0.62), orifice area in square meters, gravity (default 9.81 m/s²), and head in meters. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the discharge coefficient (C)?
A: It accounts for energy losses in the flow. 0.62 is typical for sharp-edged orifices, while rounded orifices may approach 0.98.

Q2: How do I calculate orifice area?
A: For circular orifices, use \( A = \pi \times r^2 \) where r is the radius. For other shapes, use appropriate area formulas.

Q3: What if my head is in cm or inches?
A: Convert to meters before entering (100 cm = 1 m, 39.37 inches = 1 m).

Q4: Does this work for pressurized systems?
A: No, this is specifically for gravity-driven flow. For pressurized systems, use Bernoulli's equation.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate but actual flow may vary due to viscosity, turbulence, and other real-world factors.