1. What is Hydraulic Gradient?

The hydraulic gradient represents the change in hydraulic head per unit distance along the flow path. It's a dimensionless measure that drives groundwater flow and is crucial in hydrogeology and civil engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hydraulic gradient equation:

Where:

• \( P_1, P_2 \) — Pressures at two points (Pa)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
• \( L \) — Distance between points (m)
• \( z_1, z_2 \) — Elevations at two points (m)

Explanation: The equation combines the pressure difference component and elevation difference component to determine the total hydraulic gradient.

3. Importance of Hydraulic Gradient

Details: Hydraulic gradient determines the direction and rate of groundwater flow. It's essential for designing drainage systems, analyzing seepage in dams, and understanding contaminant transport in aquifers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in consistent units (Pa for pressure, kg/m³ for density, meters for distance and elevation). Ensure density and length are positive values.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a negative gradient mean?
A: A negative gradient indicates flow is occurring in the opposite direction from point 1 to point 2.

Q2: What's a typical gradient value for groundwater flow?
A: Natural gradients typically range from 0.001 to 0.01, but can be higher in steep terrains or engineered systems.

Q3: Why include both pressure and elevation terms?
A: The total hydraulic head includes both pressure head and elevation head, so both contribute to the driving force for flow.

Q4: Can I use this for pipe flow calculations?
A: Yes, this equation can be adapted for pressurized pipe flow, though specialized equations like Darcy-Weisbach are often used.

Q5: What if my fluid isn't water?
A: Simply input the correct density for your fluid. The equation works for any Newtonian fluid.