Hydraulic Conductivity

Hydraulic conductivity, abbreviated as k, is the ease with which a fluid can move through porous spaces or fractures.  Smaller the particles, means smaller the pores (area available for flow), more friction resistance, has lower hydraulic conductivity.  The larger the particles, means larger the pores, less friction resistance, has higher hydraulic conductivity.

 

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• Darcy's Law 

 

hydraulic conductivity formula

\(\large{ k = \frac{ Q }{ i \; A_c }   }\)

Where:

Units	English	Metric
\(\large{ k }\) = hydraulic conductivity	\(\large{\frac{ft}{day}}\)	\(\large{\frac{m}{day}}\)
\(\large{ A_c }\) = area cross-section	\(\large{ft^2}\)	\(\large{m^2}\)
\(\large{ Q }\) = flow rate	\(\large{\frac{ft^3}{sec}}\)	\(\large{\frac{m^3}{s}}\)
\(\large{ i }\) = hydraulic gradient	\(\large{dimensionless}\)

 

Related formula

\(\large{ k =  \frac{v}{i}   }\)

(Darcy velocity)

Where:

\(\large{ k }\) = hydraulic conductivity

\(\large{ v }\) = Darcy velocity or flux

\(\large{ i }\) = hydraulic gradient