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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\(\large{ Q = k \; i \; A_c }\) (Hydraulic Gradient Flow Rate) \(\large{ Q = \frac{ Q }{ i \; A_c } }\) \(\large{ Q = \frac{ Q }{ k \; A_c } }\) \(\large{ Q = \frac{ Q }{ k \; i } }\) |
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| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \(\large{ Q }\) = flow rate | \(\large{\frac{ft^3}{sec}}\) | \(\large{\frac{m^3}{s}}\) |
| \(\large{ k }\) = hydraulic conductivity | \(\large{\frac{ft}{day}}\) | \(\large{\frac{m}{day}}\) |
| \(\large{ i }\) = hydraulic gradient | \(\large{dimensionless}\) | |
| \(\large{ A_c }\) = area cross-section of flow | \(\large{ in^2 }\) | \(\large{ mm^2 }\) |
