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
\( Q =  k \; i \; A_c  \)     (Hydraulic Gradient Flow Rate) \( k =   Q \;/\; i \; A_c \) \( i =   Q \;/\; k \; A_c  \) \( A_c =   Q \;/\; k \; i \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( Q \) = Flow Rate	\(ft^3 \;/\; sec\)	\(m^3 \;/\; s\)
\( k \) = Hydraulic Conductivity	\(ft \;/\; day\)	\(m \;/\; day\)
\( i \) = Hydraulic Gradient	\(dimensionless\)	\(dimensionless\)
\( A_c \) = Flow Area Cross-section	\( in^2 \)	\( mm^2 \)