1. What is the Orifice Velocity Equation?

The orifice velocity equation (Torricelli's theorem) calculates the theoretical velocity of fluid flowing out of an orifice under the force of gravity. It's derived from the conservation of energy principle.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the orifice velocity equation:

Where:

• \( v \) — Orifice velocity (m/s)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²)
• \( h \) — Head or height of fluid above orifice (m)

Explanation: The equation shows that the exit velocity depends only on the height of the fluid column, not on the fluid's density or the orifice size.

3. Importance of Orifice Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating orifice velocity is essential for designing fluid systems, estimating flow rates, and understanding fluid dynamics in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the head/height value in meters. The value must be positive and greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What assumptions does this equation make?
A: The equation assumes ideal fluid flow, no energy losses, no viscosity effects, and that the orifice is small compared to the container.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation in real-world applications?
A: This gives theoretical maximum velocity. Actual velocity is typically lower due to friction, viscosity, and other energy losses.

Q3: Does this work for fluids other than water?
A: Yes, the equation works for any ideal fluid since density cancels out in the derivation from Bernoulli's equation.

Q4: What is the typical range of orifice velocities?
A: Velocities can range from less than 1 m/s for small heads to over 10 m/s for significant head differences.

Q5: How does orifice size affect the flow?
A: Orifice size affects flow rate but not exit velocity. The velocity depends only on the head, while flow rate depends on both velocity and orifice area.